With only two more fixtures to be played in the MTBA National League at the Eden SuperBowl, Aercomms continue to pile pressure on leaders Fina First, winning all eight points against Interwetten Alley Catz to move up to within five points of the top, as Fina dropped precious points in their 6-2 win against New Blood.

In an amazing turn in fortune, the once runaway winners are now also under threat from sister team Fina Excel, whose 8-0 hammering of Ramis takes them just eight points adrift of the lead. With 16 points up for grabs, and the final jostling for places in the final ‘position round’, anything could happen in the next two weeks.

Aercomms continue their bold assault on the top spot in what is turning into a nail-biter finale to the current season. They powered over opponents Interwetten Alley Catz in week 21, easily claiming all three games and finishing with the best game of the week. The slaughter began with a 789-659 opening game, and continued with an 816-752 to place Aercomms 194 ahead, with the Catz already resigned to defeat. Aercomms then pulled out all the stops for the final game, which they won with a fantastic 874 against their opponents’ 676. Ray Falzon Reale (Aercomms), 667. Philippe Vancell (Interwetten Alley Catz), 547.

Any slips by the top teams at this crucial stage of the season can cause untold damage, and table toppers Fina First dropped more valuable points this week although they did manage a majority win from their clash with New Blood (6-2). Fina started well enough, shooting a solid 835 to beat New Blood’s 718 in game one, but their two point advantage was soon snatched away from them, as their adversaries drew level with a 779-812 win in game two.

Fina still carried a pin advantage but anything less than a win in game three was unthinkable. They pulled it off by just 16 pins at the end, the 754-716 tipping the match in their favour, although seeing Aercomms raze another two points from their lead made the taste of victory rather sour. Sue Abela (Fina First), 665. Anthony Paris (New Blood), 584.

Fina Excel will meet Fina First in the next fixture, which should be an extremely hard fought encounter now that Excel have drawn to within eight points of the lead after Thrashing Ramis 8-0 with the highest team series of this week (2545). Excel were on a high from the opening frames, never giving Ramis a chance as the demolition started with an 868-729 first game, and continued with an 855-720 winner in game two to give them a hefty 275 advantage going into game three. Excel rounded off their fantastic series with an 822 to Ramis’ 716 to easily claim their 100% victory. Mark Spiteri (Fina Excel), 685. Charles Farrugia (Ramis), 550.

Fireballs have officially joined O’Caseys as confirmed relegates, losing 6-2 at the hands of Right Deal who are just a whisker away from Div I safety. Right Deal took the lead by winning game one 689-621, but then Fireballs levelled it by taking the second 654-717. Right Deal prevailed in the final game of the set, narrowly clinching it 657-653 to seal Fireballs fate, and ended their single season experience in the top flight. Melissa Camenzuli (Right Deal), 575. Dean Micallef (Fireballs), 518.

Tenth placed Sammy’s Embroideries are determined to fight the drop till the very end, still mathematically able to catch Right Deal or Storm II, and ended up 2-6 winners against a demoralised O’Caseys side this week. O’Caseys got off to a very positive start, winning game one 777-693, only to see the matched tied and their lead reversed with a 609-755 response from Sammy’s in game two. O’Caseys game dropped still further in game three which Sammy’s snatched with a 587-703 score line to make sure of the match win. Kurt Camilleri (Sammy’s Embroideries), 564. Beppe Abela (O’Caseys), 513.

The final match of the week was an inconsequential one between Storm II and Globalair Travel. Globalair took all eight points as the game scores progressed 719-770, 710-774, 711-809. Clive Saliba (Globalair Travel), 590. Neil Sullivan (Storm II), 624.

Standings – Div. I, Week 21

Fina First-125, Aercomms-120, Fina Excel-117, New Blood-106, Ramis-96, Globalair Travel-87, Interwetten Alley Catz-84, Storm II-68, Right Deal-68, Sammy’s Embroideries-54, Fireballs-45, O’Caseys-40

Bowlers of the week

Mark Spiteri (Fina Excel) 685; Sue Abela (Fina First) 665