San Ġiljan have once again etched their name into Maltese water polo history, clinching the BOV Water Polo Premier League title after a commanding 2-0 victory in the best-of-three playoff series against arch-rivals Neptunes
This victory not only secures the league championship but also completes a remarkable league and knockout double, following their emphatic 16-10 win in the BOV Knockout final earlier this month.
The Saints showcased their dominance throughout the season, culminating in a thrilling playoff series Under the guidance of new head coach Giorgos Katsaounis, San Giljan won the first game of the series requiring a penalty shootout following a 13-13 draw. Two spectacular saves by Saints’ keeper Jake Tanti secured the win.
In a dramatic second encounter, San Ġiljan overcame Neptunes 16-15 on penalties after a gripping 32 minutes of play ended all square at 12-12.
San Ġiljan stormed into the match, racing to a 4-0 lead with 2 goals from Darren Zammit and a goal each from Aaron Younger, and Ben Plumpton. Neptunes, however, mounted a fierce response, with strikes from Jordan Camilleri, Gergo Zalanki, Matthias Azzopardi, and Stevie Camilleri pulling them level at 4-4. Plumpton restored San Ġiljan’s lead before Stevie Camilleri equalised once more, leaving it 5-5 at the end of a thrilling opening period.
In the second session, momentum shifted Neptunes’ way as Sam Gialanze netted twice to put them 7-5 ahead. San Ġiljan reduced the margin through Nikolai Zammit, making it 7-6 for Neptunes at half-time.
Folowing the break, Neptunes stretched their lead through Matthias Azzopardi (8-6), but San Ġiljan kept fighting back. Ben Plumpton and Jeremy Abela struck, while Stevie Camilleri added another for Neptunes. A late surge from Darren Zammit brought San Ġiljan level at 9-9, setting the stage for a tense finale.
The match remained on a knife edge. Matthias Azzopardi nudged Neptunes ahead 10-9, but Aaron Younger replied with a brace to make it 11-10. The exchanges continued: Sam Gialanze levelled, Jake Bonavia restored San Ġiljan’s lead, only for Gialanze to equalise again at 12-12, forcing penalties.
In the Penalty shootout, both sides traded blows from the five-metre line. Stevie Camilleri, Nikolai Zammit, Gergo Zalanki, Jeremy Abela, Sam Gialanze and Aaron Younger all netted their shots to make it 15 each.
The decisive moment came when Julian Valletta missed for Neptunes, allowing Matthew Zammit to step up and convert for San Ġiljan to go up 16-15. Jake Tanti was once again San Gilan’s hero with a another specatacular save of Alec Fenech to secure victory and the title.
This double triumph marks a resounding comeback after missing out on silverware last season.
The custom-made BOV Premier League trophy, specially designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta, was proudly presented to the jubilant San Ġiljan squad by Bank of Valletta’s Chief Operations Officer, Ernest Agius, and ASA President Karl Izzo in the presence of Dr Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation during the official post-match ceremony.
As the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta celebrates its 100th anniversary, San Ġiljan’s double victory adds a historic touch to an already momentous season for Maltese water polo. Bank of Valletta, a long-standing supporter of the sport, forms part of this legacy, having proudly partnered with the ASA since 2008, contributing significantly to the growth and development of aquatic sports in Malta.
