After winning the Premier Division, Pawla Wolves SC made it a truly memorable season by taking also the First Division title, once again at the expense of their direct contenders, Birkirkara BC.
Three teams took part in this competition, sponsored by Island Beverages Co. Ltd, with each fixture consisting of two Singles and two Doubles matches.
Spread over three rounds, all the fixtures of this competition were played on Wednesdays at the Cottonera Sports Complex.
Pawla Wolves Three-You-Design and Birkirkara BC finished their commitments on equal points at the top of the table, at the end of a competition that took the definite shape of a two-horse race, with the leading contenders finely balanced between them.
A decider was therefore necessary to determine the championship. It was agreed in advance that, in accordance with international Rules, should the outcome be a drawn result, the winning team would be established according to the number of sets won during the match.
Birkirkara were first off the mark, taking the opening Singles encounter through Brian Zammit who came from behind to defeat Edmond Abela in three sets: 19/21 - 21/14 - 21/10.
However, the Wolves quickly put the match on an even keel through Anthony Xuereb who won his Singles match against Martin Farrugia 22/20 - 21/9.
Birkirkara forged ahead once again by taking the first Doubles through Brian Zammit / Martin Farrugia who defeated Edmond Abela / Patrick Cassar in two sets with an identical score line: 21/14 - 21/14.
However, the Wolves reacted promptly by winning the second Doubles through Martin Camilleri / Anthony Xuereb who had the better of Samuel Cali / Alfred Polidano in two sets, winning 21/8 - 21/18.
With the final score tied at two-all, Pawla Wolves Three-You-Design secured the First Division championship since they had won five sets against Birkirkara’s four in the decider.
In conclusion, a word of praise goes to Shuttles Fort Blocks BC who, though not in the title hunt, always played their hearts out in the best sporting spirit.