San Ġiljan MAA Daikin claimed their fifth BOV Water Polo Knock-Out title in six years after defeating arch-rivals Neptunes Best Gyms Malta 16-10 in Thursday’s final at the National Pool, Tal-Qroqq.
The Saints made a strong start, dominating the opening session 7-1 with goals from Darren Zammit, Aaron Younger, Stevie Camilleri, Daniel Tully, and others. By halftime, they maintained a six-goal cushion at 9-3, with Neptunes struggling to find ways past a disciplined San Ġiljan defence marshalled by goalkeeper Jake Tanti.
Neptunes improved in the third session, narrowing the gap with goals from Jordan Camilleri and Gergo Zalánki, but San Ġiljan’s balanced attack — featuring three goals from Younger and doubles from captain Matthew Zammit, Darren Zammit, Jake Bonavia, and Nikolai Zammit — kept them firmly ahead.
In the final quarter, San Ġiljan managed the game efficiently, exchanging goals with Neptunes but never allowing their rivals to mount a serious comeback. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 16-10 victory for the Saints.
After the match, Bank of Valletta Chief Operations Officer Ernest Agius and ASA President Karl Izzo presented the trophy to captain Matthew Zammit in a poolside ceremony, greeted by the cheers of San Ġiljan’s supporters.
This year’s Knock-Out competition was part of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta’s centenary celebrations, with BOV reaffirming its ongoing support for aquatic sports development in Malta.
Scorers:
San Ġiljan – Aaron Younger 3, Darren Zammit 2, Matthew Zammit 2, Jake Bonavia 2, Daniel Tully 2, Nikolai Zammit 2, Russell Caruana 1, Ben Plumpton 1, Jeremy Abela 1.
Neptunes – Jordan Camilleri 3, Stevie Camilleri 2, Gergo Zalánki 2, Sam Gialanze 2, Alec Fenech 1.
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