Handball - Men's league

Last Saturday's matches at the University Sports Complex brought to a close the first rounds of the national championships. Both competitions will now resume in January following Malta's participation in the EHF Challenge Trophy next month at the University Sports Complex.

Men's National League

La Salle Chiefwrap 33
Kavallieri Kia 30

In one of the most exciting and high-scoring matches Maltese handball has ever witnessed, La Salle managed to overcome Kavallieri's stiff challenge to gain sole leadership. They are now the only side on maximum points at the end of the first round.

This match, played in front of a sizeable crowd, turned out to be a classic as from the first minutes it was evident that the difference between both sides was minimal.

Undoubtedly, Kavallieri, who again had Bernardt Somon and Daniel Sauaman in fine form, can only blame themselves for this defeat as in the first period they squandered an eight-goal lead (14-6).

However, La Salle soon changed gear and started dictating matters as they scored consecutive goals to limit the deficit. In the process, Kavallieri lost Somon, red-carded for elbowing an opponent, but by half-time they were still leading 16-15.

The start of the second period saw Kavallieri hanging on to their lead but after six minutes La Salle went ahead for the first time, 19-18. From this stage onwards, La Salle, inspired by a string of excellent Andrew Mifsud saves, did not look back.

With both sides continuing to fire goals at a rapid pace, La Salle went on to finish worthy winners to complete their first-round commitments at the top.

Best player: Andrew Mifsud (La Salle).

Salesians HC 22
Aloysians ProMinent 25

Finally champions Aloysians managed to obtain their first win of the season leaving Salesians rock bottom without points. Aloysians were always the better side although at times they were far too erratic while Salesians had their good moments even though they could not match their opponents' play.

The first period was a very balanced affair with Aloysians always enjoying the upperhand. At the end of the first half they were enjoying a two-goal lead - 14-12.

One expected Salesians to react better at the start of the second half but Aloysians scored four goals without reply to open up an 18-12 lead.

Salesians did not give up but kept fighting to at least get a respectable result. At the end of the match they only lost with a minimal difference of three goals although this was not enough for them to avoid a third consecutive defeat.

Best player: Philip Mifsud (Aloysians).

Standings: La Salle Chiefwrap 9 points; Kavallieri Kia Motors 6; Aloysians ProMinent 3; Salesians 0.

Ladies National League

Weekend results:

La Salle Vitality 12 Aloysians Veneziani Croissant 9 (HT 4-4).

Best scorer: Louise Micallef (La Salle) 8 goals.

Best player: Louise Micallef.

Kavallieri Megabyte 19 Salesians HC 9 (HT 7-5).

Best scorer: Johanna Rizzo (Kavallieri) 10 goals.

Best player: Johanna Rizzo.

Standings: Kavallieri Megabyte, La Salle Vitality 7 points; Aloysians Veneziani Croissant 3; Salesians HC 0.