Last weekend saw the start of the 2006/2007 volleyball season with a number of matches played from the under 18 and the senior categories. In the female under 18 category, Fleur de Lys CFK and X-Sel had the better of Paola Hibs Candy and Kerygma respectively with both winning teams beating their opponents 2-1.

In the second edition of the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports Cup, Flyers beat a weak Kerygma side 3-0 with a very good display from the girls coached by Steve Farrugia and Edward Gatt.

There was no story from the initial stages of the match as Flyers were more organised and technical differences between both squads were clearly visible.

Flyers won the match in three straight sets with scores of 25-6, 25-11 and 25-6.

In the second match played this weekend, X-Sel faced the newly formed Aloysians Red. X-Sel registered quite a straightforward victory as the lack of experience of Aloysians Red was put in evidence. X-Sel won in three straight sets 25-16, 25-13 and 25-13.

In the men’s category, Fleur de Lys CFK easily brushed off the challenge by Aloysians Red by 3-0 (25-16, 25-16 and 25-19). During the course of the match, Fleur de Lys were always in control and the lack of experience of Aloysians, together with a good Fleur de Lys performance, made all the difference.

The last match played this weekend saw Aloysians Lipton face Kerygma and with both teams having excellent performances last season, the match was awaited by the respective supporters.

This match lived up to its expectations and the teams delivered a five set thriller. Kerygma started on a high note and managed to close the first set 25-20. However, Aloysians settled down during the second set and by playing better and with fewer unforced errors, managed to win the set 25-12.

Kerygma were in no mood to throw the towel as they fought back and managed to take the third set 25-23 thus taking the lead. Kerygma had the opportunity to end the game during the fourth set but Aloysians turned the tables through a number of excellent rallies won by Alan Gauci and Paul Vella. Aloysians won a close fourth set 26-24.

In the final set, all looked to go Aloysians’ way as they immediately took a healthy lead of 8-2. Aloysians were well organised on court and seemed to settle down and play their best volleyball of the match.

A number of good blocks by David Caruana and Aaron Stivala kept Kerygma and their spikers at bay. However, as the game progressed, a number of unforced errors by Aloysians gave Kerygma the opportunity to get back into the game. It was a close final fifth set and Aloysians emerged winners to win it 15-12 and the match 3-2.

In the female category of the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports Cup, next week, Flyers will face champions Paola Hibs Candy, whilst X-Sel face Playvolley Blue. In the male’s category, Fleur de Lys CFK meet Aloysians White while Lipton Aloysians play against San Anton.