Valletta San Antonio met Aloysians Defenders in the men’s Fr. Tony Parnis Cup first round match.
Last year’s league champions had already lost a game to Aloysians this year and Valletta were determined to forget about the last game.
Aloysians had other plans and wanted to prove they are this year’s top team heading to win both the league and the Fr Tony Parnis Cup.
Both teams are strong on paper with many experienced players on both sides.
The game lived up to its expectations with Aloysians taking the first set 25-20 but during the second and third sets.
Aloysians stepped up a gear and toppled Valletta by winning both sets with an identical score of 25-18.
Valletta need to work harder to defeat Aloysians in the second leg of the knock out final to be played next weekend to force a decider.
In the ladies category, Paola Hibs, who beat Fleur de Lys in the semi-finals, easily won against Playvolley who had, in turn, managed to reach the finals by winning against Depiro. The match was mostly one sided with a superior Hibs with ever consistent Alison Borg always in control of the game.
Mellieha consolidate lead in Div. II
Over the weekend, Mellieha won 3-0 against TGIF, consolidating their lead at the top of the second division league table.
Danei Gingel was the best player on court for TGIF, with coach Bernard Bartolo performing numerous changes to the team in order to trouble Mellieha. However, Mellieha coach Mark Soler got all of his tactical changes right and had no difficulties marching to victory.
In the second game, runners up Tatara Rabat faced Qormi, now coached by veteran Steve Attard.
Tatara Rabat were never in a position to lose any sets with good volleyball played. Coach Darren Giordimaina further strengthened his team with the experienced Charlene Barbara and will be expected to pose serious competition to leaders Mellieha in their next encounter.
In a match that lasted five sets, spread over two and a half hours, Paola U-18 won against Birkirkara Playvolley. It was a very interesting match with both teams fighting till the very last point.
Sarah Spiteri and setter Amy Guiga had good performances for Paola putting Playvolley in difficult situations. However, merit must be given to Playvolley who fought hard and were close to winning the three points themselves.