Neptunes BGM booked their place in the BOV Summer League Premier Division final after edging San Giljan MAA Daikin 14-13 in a pulsating semi-final at the National Pool.
In a match packed with momentum swings, Neptunes held their nerve during a tense closing spell to deny the reigning BOV Knockout champions a dramatic comeback and secure victory by the narrowest of margins.
San Giljan MAA Daikin made the brighter start, taking a 3-2 lead at the end of the opening quarter before extending their advantage to 7-4 by half-time following a dominant second period.
Neptunes, however, refused to let the match slip away. Inspired by their attacking play, they gradually reduced the deficit during the third quarter, which ended with San Giljan holding a slender 10-8 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.
The final quarter proved to be a dramatic affair. Neptunes levelled the contest before edging ahead, with both teams trading goals in a frantic finish. San Giljan twice cut the deficit to a single goal, but Neptunes held firm in the closing moments to clinch a memorable 14-13 victory.
Marko Zuvela was Neptunes’ leading scorer with four goals, while captain Stevie Camilleri added three. Julian Valletta and Ivan Nagaev each scored twice, with Max Lanzon, Sam Gialanze and Jake Bajada also getting on the scoresheet.
For San Giljan MAA Daikin, Jerko Marinic-Kragic produced a superb individual display, scoring seven goals to keep his side in contention throughout the encounter. Russell Caruana, Nikolai Zammit and Alec Fenech each contributed two goals.
The victory sees Neptunes BGM advance to the BOV Summer League Premier Division final after one of the most entertaining matches of the season, overcoming a strong San Giljan MAA Daikin side in a contest that remained in the balance until the final whistle.
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