The second round of the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports Cup was played last weekend at the Cottonera Sports Complex. In the females category, X-Sel overcame the challenge of Playvolley whilst reigning champions Paola Hibs Candy won against Flyers. In the men’s category, Aloysians Lipton beat San Anton whilst Fleur de Lys found no problems in beating a young but enthusiastic Aloysians Whites side.

In the first match on Saturday, X-Sel faced Playvolley which turned out to be an exiting encounter. A determined Playvolley stunned the spectators present as they took a 2-0 lead over last years runners-up. Playvolleys’ Daniela Bonnici did most damage to X-Sel’s defensive line showing off her good form. The stage seemed to be set for the first upset of the season. However in the second set, X-Sel coach Claudio Coppini made use of the experience of Catherine Attard and Sarah El-Gazi to inspire his teams remount. This move helped his team win the match 3-2.

The second female match of the weekend saw reigning champions Paola Hibs Candy play their first match in the GHKS cup on Sunday with a fine display against Flyers. It seems that their Wales training camp in September left its mark on the squad as even without their Italian player, Roberta Scaccia, Hibs managed to win the game with a 3-0 score line. With Alison Borg Hayman and Gertrude Zarb responsible for service-reception, the team settled down and gave setter Tiziana Bonnici the facility to diversify the attacks as required. Flyers gave a hearty performance with Lindsay Cordina playing in the libero position at the centre of the defense but this was not enough to stop Hibs win the game in 80 minutes.

In the men’s category, Aloysians Lipton found little opposition in Marsascala, as they were technically superior to their opponents and easily won the match 3-0. Unfortunately, Aloysians had to do without their prolific spiker Paul Vella as he sustained an injury early during the game.

In the under 18 league, Paola Hibs Candy obtained a hard earned victory over Alosyians with Roxette Caruana distinguishing herself amongst the Paolites. The match ended 2-1 in Hibs favour and gave them the first under 18 win of the season.

Tomorrow, in the females section, Playvolley Red meet Flyers in the losers bracket of the Ghaqda Kittieba Sports Cup whilst Kerygma will play against Playvolley Blue. In the winners bracket, Paola Hibs Candy will play X-Sel on Sunday.

In the males section, Aloysians Red play against Marsascala, Kerygma face Aloysians White whilst in the most awaited match of the weekend, CFK Fleur de Lys play against Lipton Aloysians.