Fina First are the new champions of the Middlesea Valletta Life National League, which has come to a thrilling conclusion at the Eden SuperBowl, St. Julian's. The 23-week long campaign saw Fina and arch rivals Aercomms constantly battling to secure the top spot, the lead switching between them several times, and they met once more in the final week of the season, known as a 'position round'.

Aercomms came to the match as league leaders and defending champions, although only a single point separated them from Fina. This was a totally insignificant advantage and the title race between the two sides was still wide open, the entire season coming down to this final clash. Incredibly, Fina had to wait until the very last ball of the match before their victory was confirmed, and Aercomms were made to settle for second place.

The anticipation leading up to the confrontation made for a tense atmosphere as play commenced, with Aercomms having more positive start in the first of the three game series. They held a slim lead over Fina for the first seven frames, before suffering a flurry of cruel splits. In contrast, the Fina four closed all of their frames well, to not only catch up, but also win the game 717 - 835 and make it 0 - 2.

Aercomms needed to respond quickly and started the second game with determination, enjoying a better share of the luck than they'd had at the end of game one. Ray Falzon Reale's opening four-bagger buoyed his team mates' spirits, and helped them gain a healthy mid-game lead, while it was Fina's turn to suffer from a spate of splits in the second half of the game. Aercomms made it 2 - 2 with a convincing 891 - 713 win, cancelling out Fina's early advantage and giving themselves a 60 pin lead going into the last of the set.

The tension was at fever pitch as the crucial third game got underway, Fina knowing the odds were against their claiming the league title. It was neck-and-neck in the early frames, adding to Fina's despair as the remaining frames dwindled, as did their winning chances, or so they thought.

Frame seven was the turning point, Aercomms being knocked back by a pair of open frames while Fina closed all four. They continued to extend their fragile lead, calculating what was needed from them as the end of the match loomed, anything less than a winning margin of 61 pins would have handed the title to their opponents. Victory was within reach after frame nine, Fina holding a 67 pin lead, but then Ray Falzon Reale banged in three strikes for Aercomms, while Fina's Mark Muscat failed to pick up a spare. This gave Aercomms the edge, but good doubles from youngster Justin Caruana Scicluna and Brian Farrugia for Fina kept them in the reckoning. Aercomms anchor Kenneth Arpa finished with a strike-8-1 for a 738 team game (2346 series), and Fina were on a 2331 with only star player Sue Abela left to close.

Fina needed 16 pins which meant at least a spare from Sue, and she obliged. A six-count from the final ball of the season would have secured victory, and the pressure was all on Abela as she coolly stepped up to make the all important shot. A nine for the ex-European Champion clinched the game by 64 pins, and the series points by four (2346 - 2350). 2 - 6 was the final score, and the Fina aces and supporters deserved their loud celebration as soon as the game was over, and Aercomms were the first to offer them a congratulatory handshake.

Week 23 Results: Aercomms-Fina First 2-6; Sagio Investments-Ramis 2-6; Right Deal-Sammy’s Embroideries 8-0; HSBC-Redwell Heating 0-8;La Spigola-Royal Shock 2-6;Vintage-Faces 8-0

Bowlers of the Week:

Sue Abela (Fina First) 612; Ray Falzon Reale (Aercomms) 647

Final Standings - Middlesea Valletta Life National Division I:

Fina First - 122, Aercomms - 119, Sagio Investments - 108, Ramis - 104, Right Deal - 101, Sammy's Embroideries - 92, HSBC - 92, Redwell Heating - 91, Royal Shock - 81, La Spigola - 80, Vintage - 70, Faces – 44