Raphinha was Hamrun’s inspirational player as he scored seven goals and was the catalyst behind his team’s 13-3 romp over Zebbug after the first round of the Gatorade KO was played at the Corradino Sports Pavilion.

Hamrun found goals harder to come in the first half as Zebbug defended boldly and resorted to quick counter attacks that were sometimes lethal.

On the other hand, Gallen Mifsud, the Zebbug keeper, distinguished himself with great saves to keep his team in the game.

But in the second half, the Spartans were a different lot and Raphinha came into limelight as he resumed his scoring spree to annihilate the Zebbug rearguard.

Raphinha hit the target seven times with Eslam Khalifa, Ibrahim Tarek, Andy Mangion, Djordje Maksimovic, Daniel Mifsud and an own goal by Gorg Borg completing the mission for the Spartans.

Inigo Dolora, Jamie Portelli and Patrick Bonnici reduced the score for the Rangers.

Mohammed Elamari’s hat-trick helped Valletta’s  overcome newcomers Sliema Wanderers 9-5.

Valletta produced a stunning display in the first half scoring seven goals in the process.

However the second half was a different story as the Wanderers improved their performance and roared back when they scored four goals to produce a thrilling finale.

A brace by Melvin Borg together with targets from Daniel Brincat, Denis di Maio, Jovica Milijic and Dylan Musu added more goals for the City.

David Calleja netted twice while Ryan Dalli, Darren Agius and an own goal were the other goal-getters for Sliema.

In a drab encounter, Lija Athletic saw off Msida St Joseph 5-1 to advance to another round of this competition.

The winners, who are considered one of the main challengers for the championship, had Luke Stivala, Wallace Oliveira, Jason Gauci, Stefan Vella and Nicola del Re putting their names on the score sheet.

Herbert Spiteri scored Msida’s only goal.

Mdina Knights edged Qrendi 7-6 in an exciting encounter full of goals.

Striker Cleavon Portelli notched a hat-trick while Neil Cauchi, Dalziel Bugeja, Roberto Sarcia and Ryan Micallef added more goals for the Knights.

A brace by Alan Spiteri, Bertram Azzopardi, Maxime Landais, Saviour Sammut and Haitam Saghar were the goal-getters for Qrendi.

Swieqi registered a 5-3 hard-earned win against newcomers Marsaskala to join the last eight of the KO.

Gabor Balan and Daniel Sant scored two goals while Diego Gomes de Mello added another one for Swieqi.

Josef Balzan, Reuben Degabriele and Steve Gambin were on the mark for the Southsiders.

Mqabba didn’t find any difficulty to oust debutants Gozo FC 9-2.

A brace by Lydon Baldacchino, Matthew Buttigieg, Fabio Grech, Kevin Loughborough and Conrad Dimech completed the rout for Mqabba.

Jean Paul Abdilla and Joel Grima reduced the arrears for Gozo FC.