The only two contenders for the Middlesea Valletta National League title, Fina First and Aercomms retained their status quo at the top of the table with matching 100 per cent victories in the week seventeen fixtures played at the Eden SuperBowl. There was also a good victory for PharmaVet, who beat Union Capital Group 8 – 0 to steal third place from them, while the remaining two matches saw majority victories for Ramis against Redwell Heating, and Royal Shock over Sammy’s Embroideries.

Defending champions Fina First retained their six point advantage over sole challengers Aercomms by beating HSBC 0-8. HSBC were unlucky to walk away from the clash empty handed, as although Fina easily netted the opener 679 – 831, the second game was much closer, going to the leaders by just twenty pins, 802 – 822. The final game was closer still to add to HSBC’s frustration, finishing 809-816 to complete the whitewash. Sue Abela (Fina First), 621, Bowler of the Week. Helenio Grech (HSBC), 602.

Aercomms kept in touch with their arch rivals with a similar full point victory against FireBalls who are now mathematically confirmed for relegation. The latter certainly didn’t go down without a fight, never far behind their formidable opponents throughout the three game series. Aercomms’ biggest win of the evening was a 710 – 753 result in game one, and they went on to double their points with a slim 739 – 744 win in game two, and a final 722 – 731 victory in the last of the set. Paul Baldacchino (Aercomms), 598. Ramon Casha (FireBalls), 574.

The battle for third place became more interesting this week, with the third and fourth placed teams clashing with each other. The result was an 8-0 drubbing for Union Capital Group at the hands of PharmaVet, who also switched places in the classification with the losing side. Union Capital gave a disappointing showing as the series progressed in PharmaVet’s favour; 794-695, 779-709, 751-725. Steve Cassar (PharmaVet), 622, Bowler of the Week. Simon Burke (Union Capital), 565.

The first of two six point victories went to 5th placed Ramis against Redwell Heating who are now sixth. Ramis opened up a 4-0 lead by taking game one 702-683 and then following through with a 753-726 win in game two.

Their 46 pin advantage meant the match wasn’t in the bag as game three rolled off, the draw still within reach for Redwell. In fact they went on to win it, but the 651-682 game score left them 15 pins short on the series (2106-2091). John Balani (Ramis), 541. Joanna Attard (Redwell Heating), 523.

Royal Shock also took six points, confirming relegation as a reality for their opponents on the night, Sammy’s Embroideries. Sammy’s got off to a positive start by winning game one 720-701, but it was all square after the second of the set which fell 720-760 to Royal Shock. The latter picked up the final game 660-791 to take the series by 152 pins (2100-2252). Joe Cassar (Royal Shock), 573. Anthony Paris (Sammy’s Embroideries), 512.

Standings – Middlesea Valletta Life National Division I, Week 17

Fina First – 106, Aercomms – 100, PharmaVet – 72, Union Capital Group – 68, Ramis – 66, Redwell Heating – 64, HSBC – 62, Royal Shock – 62, Sammy’s Embroideries – 40, FireBalls – 40

Bowlers of the Week

Steve Cassar (PharmaVet) 622

Sue Abela(Fina First) 621