This weekend’s volleyball matches played at the Cottonera Sports only included senior team commitments.
In the men’s league, Kerygma surprisingly beat leaders Lipton Aloysians and Aloysians Red beat Marsascala. Fleur de Lys had no problems in disposing of the younger and less experienced Aloysians Whites.
In the ladies league, X-Sel beat Playvolley Red and Flyers won against Kerygma. The top ladies match this weekend between Paola Hibs Candy and Playvolley Blues had to be postponed due to technical problems at the Cottonera Sports Complex.
In the first match this weekend, current leaders Aloysians Lipton met fourth placed Kerygma who needed a victory in order to keep in the race for the championship.
The match started off in a balanced manner with both teams studying each others moves. The teams leveled at 24 each and Aloysians pushed further to close the first set 28-26.
The second set showed a good recovery from Kerygma with Aloysians committing a number of unforced errors on service reception.
Robert Balzan was instrumental with his spikes whilst Kerygma libero Vince Pace was outstanding in defense.
The second set was won by Kerygma 25-20.
The third set saw Aloysians change their starting line up and played consistently better. Kerygma recovered and leveled the set at 24-24. Again, Aloysians were more focused and won the third set 26-24.
The fourth set was balanced with Kerygma taking a slight advantage at the start of the set. They were leading as they reached 18-15 but Aloysians leveled at 20-20. Kerygma knew that if the set was won, they would force the match into a tie-break. They managed to remain focused and opened and kept a two point lead winning the set 25-23.
The fifth and final set was a thriller. Kerygma managed to start well and lead 8-5. Aloysians gave their utmost and narrowed the points difference to two points. However, Kerygma kept their cool and won the fifth and final set 15-11. This win consolidates Kerygma’s position in fourth place, one point behind third placed Marsascala.
In the second men’s match played this weekend, second placed Fleur de Lys met Aloysians White.
The difference between the two teams was evident with Fleur de Lys controlling the match from start to finish. Jonathan Chetcuti, Cedric Bondin and Anatoly Gatt played well for Fleur de Lys with Jonathan Chetcuti being called upon by setter Patrick Bonnet to attack from back court and front court positions. Aloysians Whites Darren Bugeja had a good outing for his club but this was not enough to put Fleur de Lys in any danger. Fleur de Lys easily won 3-0.
This win and leaders Aloysians Lipton’s slip puts Fleur de Lys only 3 points behind Lipton who have played a game more than Fleur de Lys.
In the ladies category, top teams registered victory. Third placed X-Sel won against Playvolley Reds and Flyers beat Kerygma. Both matches ended in a straight set score.
The match between Paola Hibs Candy and Playvolley Blue had to be interrupted during the first set due to technical problems at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Paola Hibs Candy still occupy the first place in the league with 7 games played and 21 points.
Second placed Flyers played nine matches and too have 21 points. X-Sel moved up one position to third place with eight matches played and 18 points whilst in fourth place we find Playvolley Blues with 17 points and 7 matches played.