Futsal: Big guns off to flying start

futsal-luxol2016-vn-syrfeHamrun, Luxol and Valletta had a great start in the Gatorade Futsal League as they won their respective encounters to bag their first three points of the season.

Valletta launched their title defence bid in a positive way as they saw off Marsaskala 7-1. The Citizens did not find it easy against a robust Marsaskala side who defended boldly to avoid further damage. The Southseasiders managed to take the lead through Franklin Abela but Valletta turned the tables as Raphinha was their inspirational player scoring five goals in the process while Xavier Saliba and Dylan Musu completed the score for the Lilywhites.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg

Hamrun started their campaign in style as they crushed Qormi 14-4. True to expectations, Hamrun were in a class of their own as they produced a catalogue of chances. Their scoring spree featured a poker by Everton Veve, a hat-trick for Florin Anton, and braces from Daniele Degennaro and Luke Stivala. Jason Mifsud, Daniel Mifsud and Clint Cope completed the rout for Hamrun. Qormi reduced the score through Miguel Alcaraz, Adrian Fenech, Luca Mallia and Antoine Galea.

Luxol started their commitments with a bang as they trounced Tarxien JML 15-0. The St Andrews outfit, who dominated the match with effective ball possession and fast attacks, had their talisman player Celino Alves in fine form as he netted a hat-trick. Mark Zammit, Zvezdan Vukovic, Emil Raducu and Karl Azzopardi scored a brace while Matthew Attard, Andy Mangion, Nicola del Re and Giancarlo Sammut completed the rout for Despotovic’s side.

Swieqi United are also expected to be among the challengers for the title this season after soundly beating University of Malta 6-2. Boicho Marev scored a poker while Dimitar Petev hit the target twice as the University students reduced the arrears through Leo Muscat and Jean Carl Cuschieri.

Even Msida had a very positive start as they dominated Swieqi Under 21 8-0 while Sliema defeated debutants Safi San Lorenzo 7-4. Qrendi also started positively as they edged Zurrieq Wolves 10-9 in the derby.