This season’s Premier Division title of the H2Only Mixed League was to be assigned at the end of a five-match series between the top two local clubs – Pawla Wolves Assikura and Birkirkara BC.

At the end of the initial three fixtures that had been played so far, the Paolites partially surrendered their initial 2-0 lead by stumbling at the third hurdle. B’Kara promptly profited from their adversaries’ indecision to take the third match, thereby reopening the title race.

With the overall series at 2-1, the fourth encounter was open to any outcome. A second consecutive win for B’Kara would have fittingly set the stage for the final showdown between the two clubs.

But it was not to be. The Wolves, despite the absence of their regular player Catherine Dimech through injury, determinedly made the fourth encounter their own to open an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series and put this season’s national title definitely beyond their opponents’ reach.

Ironically, it was B’Kara who forged ahead in the opening Men’s Singles in which Stefan Salomone defeated David Cole 21/11 21/9.

However, the Wolves quickly drew level by taking the Ladies’ Singles through Didi Rasamayii who overcame Maria Borg 21/6 21/11.

B’Kara nosed in front once again by winning the Men’s Doubles which Robert and Stefan Salomone won against Kenneth Vella/David Cole in two sets: 21/17 21/14.

Nevertheless, the Wolves were not prepared to throw in the towel.

They put the encounter once again on an even keel by taking the Ladies’ Doubles in which Joanne Cassar / Didi Rasamayii defeated Fiorella Farrugia/ Maria Borg 21/10 21/9.

With the partial score tied at two-all, the remaining Mixed Doubles was therefore to definitely decide the issue. This went the Paolites way at the end of a three-set thriller in which Joanne Cassar/ Kenneth Vella ably came from behind to win against Fiorella Farrugia/ Robert Salomone.

After losing the initial set 16/21, the Wolves pair reacted strongly to take the next two sets 21/12 and 21/13 for an overall 3-2 victory that secured the second consecutive title for the Paolites.