The MAPFRE MSV Life national leagues for 2018 are proving to be most competitive for many seasons.  Following 20 seasons of domination by the same three teams, namely FINA, okmalta.com and RAMIS, we finally have a league that is wide open.

The dissolution of Team Ramis triggered the most active player transfer rate ever witnessed in the national league where traditionally the same players tend to stick together for several seasons. Teams like Turu’s Knights, XS, Strike Me, Yobetit and Royal Shock are all vying for the podium.  Already in the last season, Turu’s Knights showed their potential to challenge the top teams and are no longer the outsiders.

Despite the intense competition, Okmalta.com continue to be strong contenders for the league. Their hard fought victory over title contenders TURU’s, gives them a very small lead.  Their victory required a giant effort from Mauro Anastasi who had to bowl the highest game and the highest series of the season to see the team through (290 game and 672 series).

FINA are also giving it a fight but a draw against Supreme saw them losing some ground.

Standings Division 1

1. Okmalta.com

2. Turu’s knights

3. Royal Shock

4. Strike Me

5. XS

6. FINA

7. Yobetit

8. Blitzgriek

9. Supreme

10. MIA 

Mauro Anastasi and Tiziana Carannante win the ‘Bowlers Of The Week’ award.

Meanwhile, in Division 2, Supersonic are enjoying a small lead over Bank of Valletta. However, the promotion race is still wide open with the leading duo chased by at least 4 teams all of whom are within easy striking distance.