Neptunes WPSC were crowned BOV Summer League champions for the 28th time after defeating neighbours Sliema 18-15 in the second game of the final, ending a five-year wait for the title.
The Reds had already established themselves as the team to beat throughout the campaign, finishing top of the general standings before carrying their form into the play-offs. Having won the opening game of the final, Neptunes produced another commanding display to seal the championship in two matches.
Their intentions were clear from the opening seconds.
After just 10 seconds, Neptunes were awarded a penalty following a foul by Sliema goalkeeper Benji Busuttil, and Ivan Nagaev converted from the five-metre line to give his side an early lead.
Nagaev was at the heart of a blistering start. His long pass found Sam Gialanze for Neptunes’ second goal before he set up Jake Bajada to make it 3-0, meaning he had already registered a goal and two assists within the opening two minutes.
Sliema responded through a Jayden Cutajar penalty, but Neptunes continued to dictate proceedings. Gialanze struck again before Steve Camilleri converted another penalty to make it 5-1.
Sliema briefly responded following a time-out, with Benji Cachia reducing the deficit, but Mark Castillo quickly restored the four-goal advantage. Liam Galea then scored for Sliema before Marko Zuvela found the net late in the opening session to give Neptunes an 8-4 lead.
Neptunes continued to press in the second session. Nagaev scored early, and although Dino Zammit replied for Sliema, the Neptunes star completed his hat-trick soon afterwards.
Camilleri then scored Neptunes’ tenth before Nagaev struck again to make it 11-5. Goalkeeper Matthew Castillo also played a key role, producing a number of important saves to keep Sliema at bay.
Jake Cachia and Daniel Rizzo reduced the deficit to 11-7, but Neptunes remained firmly in control.
Camilleri restored a five-goal advantage early in the third session from another penalty. Benji Cachia replied for Sliema, but Zuvela converted a one-on-one opportunity as Neptunes continued to maintain a comfortable cushion.
Jordan Camilleri and Julian Valletta also found the net as Neptunes extended their lead, while Jake Cachia’s goal left the score at 15-10 heading into the final session.
There was little prospect of a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter. Gialanze made it 16-11 before Nagaev produced one of the highlights of the match with an excellent backhand effort.
Camilleri added another as Neptunes moved 18-11 ahead. Sliema continued to battle, with Sam Engerer completing a hat-trick and Daniel Rizzo also scoring, but the outcome was already beyond doubt.
Neptunes’ 18-15 victory confirmed their status as champions for the first time since 2021 and secured their 28th league title.
Birżebbuġa crowned First Division champions
Earlier, Birżebbuġa were crowned First Division champions after defeating Marsaxlokk 17-12 in the second game of the final, completing a memorable double.
Birżebbuġa had spent the entire campaign at the top of the standings and entered the play-offs as favourites. Having already won the opening game, they once again delivered when it mattered most to wrap up the title without the need for a decisive third match.
Marsaxlokk produced another spirited performance, with Nikola Bogdanovic outstanding as he scored seven goals to keep his side in contention.
However, Birżebbuġa gradually took control of the contest, particularly as the match progressed, with Mario Radulovic leading the way.
Radulovic matched Bogdanovic’s tally of seven goals, while Birżebbuġa’s greater depth and consistency eventually proved decisive as they secured a 17-12 victory.
The success completed a season in which Birżebbuġa consistently set the pace, confirming their status as the dominant side in the First Division and sealing a deserved league and cup double.
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