RABAT DEPIRO TAKE SECOND HONOUR OF THE SEASON

The second competition organized by the Hockey Association came to an end on Sunday with Rabat Depiro picking up their second honour of the season; their fourth this calendar year. In a competition in which they have rarely found success, (this was their second victory in this competition), Rabat took the chances that came their way and beat Britannia Tours White Hart 4-0. For the White Hart youngsters, Sunday�s match was another step in the learning curve: scoring chances are there to be taken and at the end of the day that�s what made the difference between the two sides. Sunday also marked the last game that David Agius will be playing, at least for the time being, as he moves on to different pastures. His team- mates will surely miss his absence but even more so the hockey administration will surely miss his drive and enthusiasm.

A goal after 7 minutes set up the game nicely for Rabat with Seychell deflecting past Galea a cross from Perales. White Hart did not hold back even though Rabat had a slight edge. After 18 minutes a mazy run by David Agius set up Borg Costanzi who however miss-hit out. On 26 minutes Rabat doubled. A first attempt by Josef Antonelli was blocked by Galea but Jason Vella was first on the ball to get the second. Vella was stopped a few minutes later by a starching save from Galea while on the stroke of half time a good run from Paul Torpiano failed to produce the goods.

Britannia started the second half strongly forcing a number of short corners that were however well blocked by the Rabat defence. On 14 minutes Giancarlo Torpiano penetrated the Rabat dee and crossed to Borg Costanzi who however failed to make contact. White Hart were made to pay for this miss as Shawn Falzon, despite being surrounded by a number of defenders, powered in a spectacular flick that surprised Galea.

The game was now beyond Britannia Tours although they still created a couple of good chances through Carl Tua. Rabat were dangerous on the break and two minutes from time they rounded of the score. Vella stole the ball from the White Hart defence and set up the unmarked Seychell who had not difficulty in beating the White Hart goalkeeper.

In the match for third place Qormi Poiatti beat The Hunters� Tower restaurant 3-1. Two early goals in the first half, one from Stephen Tanti (6th minute) and the other from Jonathan Borg (12th), got Qormi to a good start and despite some sustained pressure from Young Stars the score did not change till half time. At third goal, three minutes into the second half, from Chris Bugeja soon put paid to any hopes of a come back that Young Stars might have had. David Evans did pull one back after 17 minutes but despite forcing a good number of short corners the score did not change again.

Henry Cachia / Ian Crockford