The fourth edition of the Simpatia Crai team tournament, held at Tennis Club Kordin and sponsored by Mr and Mrs Joe Vella of Pearl Simpatia Crai, G’Mangia, came to an end recently when in the final, Team “F” of Darren Buhagiar beat Team “A” of Marco Ricci to make it a hat-trick of successive wins in this competition.

The chilly conditions of the evening did not deter the supporters of both teams from surrounding Courts 1 and 3 to cheer on their favourites. The rest of the crowd took refuge from the cold outside and watched the proceedings on the two courts from behind the large windows of the club’s restaurant.

From the result of the first four rubbers, it became clear that the battle for the honours was going to be tough for both teams though, Darren’s team was by then leading by five sets to three.

The Men’s B/C and the Men’s C rubbers were decided in favour of team F while team A won the Men’s D and drew the Ladies C encounter. Excitement continued to grow as; Marco Ricci’s team won the Men’s B Rubber to make the score reads 5-5.

The four sets of the sixth and seventh rubbers (Ladies B and Men’s A) were shared by both teams so that, the final result now depended on the eight and final Rubber which, was still being played on Court 3 between the Ladies A of the two teams contesting for the title.

The result of this last rubber went in favour of Darren’s Team to give him the prestigious trophy for the third successive time.

Congratulations must go to all the six captains and their respective teams for their fine performance and the sporting spirit that prevailed throughout the 12 weeks of this competition. A word of thanks must also go to the director of competitions Benny Vidal and to Judith Ricci and Christine Piscopo for their assiduous secretarial work.

Presentation of Trophy and awards will take place tomorrow during a Presentation Dinner to be held at the Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel at Marsascala.