Birkirkara, Pawla on equal footing
With the end of the Singles and Doubles Leagues, the attention is now centred on the Mixed League, which recently reached the end of its first round with the top-of-the-table clash between defending champions Birkirkara Medairco 'A' and title...
With the end of the Singles and Doubles Leagues, the attention is now centred on the Mixed League, which recently reached the end of its first round with the top-of-the-table clash between defending champions Birkirkara Medairco 'A' and title challengers Pawla Wolves Schtag.
The final 3-3 outcome reflects the equal values shown on court by both teams.
It leaves both sides on equal footing at the top of the table while postponing the title challenge to their second round encounter.
Birkirkara scored the first point of the match through captain Jacqueline De Giovanni. She beat Jennifer Borg 11/4 11/6 in the opening singles.
However, the Wolves reacted immediately. They first drew level through Catherine Dimech/Edmund Abela, who won their mixed doubles, and then forged ahead 2-1 thanks to captain Kenneth Vella who beat Robert Salomone.
Birkirkara would not let the match slip from their grasp. They quickly restored the balance through Stefan Salomone in the second men's singles.
With the teams now tied at 2-2, the remaining two doubles were to decide the issue.
Pawla took the ladies' doubles through Catherine Dimech/Jennifer Borg but the champions made amends thanks to brothers Robert and Stefan Salomone.
In the other match of the day, Birkirkara Medairco 'B' brushed aside the challenge put up by Essex Shuttles with a clear 6-0 win.
Jo'Anne Cassar, Marisa Cilia, Fiorella Farrugia, Adrian Chetcuti, Albert Bezzina and Martin Farrugia were the players behind this first victory of the season for the squad.
Standings
Birkirkara 'A', Pawla Wolves 10; Birkirkara 'B' 6; Essex Shuttles 3.