Low scores from top teams as Fina First slip to third

Week 18 from 23 of the Middlesea League saw low scores being registered by many of the top-flight players as teams seemed to struggle with the lanes.

The most marked results of the day were identical 6-2 defeats for leaders Aercomms and nearest challengers Fina First as a four-all draw for Ramis was enough for them to leapfrog Fina First and take second place.

Against Globalair, Fina First seemed a mere shadow of their former illustrious selves, losing game one with a low 675 against a 772 from Globalair.

In a reversal of fortunes, Fina managed to pull level with a narrow 721-746 win in game two. Globalair had a 72-pin cushion going into game three which turned out to be the best of the set for both teams. Eventually, it was Globalair who took the glory with a 787-754 win to claim the victory.

Ramis have now replaced Fina First in second place in spite of only managing a draw against The Rascals. Ramis claimed the series points by 72 pins (1,964-2,036). Amazingly, none of the eight bowlers in this match could manage to crack the 500-pin mark.

Leaders Aercomms had their lead cut slightly because of Ramis' win and their 6-2 loss to Alley Catz.

Having said that, their 25-point advantage still makes them almost sure of the championship title this season. Alley Catz took the series points by 90 pins (2,340-2,250).

Surely the shock of the week was the 6-2 whipping of Fina Excel by relegation-threatened Blues Brothers. Excel never managed to put together a 700-game as their opponents took the series points by 115 pins (2,043-2,158).

Right Deal should be sure of survival, now in eighth place and 24 points above the danger zone, after their 6-2 win over bottom side Royal Shock as Storm forced a draw by claiming the series points against Veltins by just 22 pins (2,245-2,223).

Standings (week 18): Aercomms 111, Ramis 86, Fina First 84, Veltins 82, Fina Excel 82, Globalair Travel 80, Alley Catz 78, Right Deal 72, Storm 56, The Rascals 54, Blues Brothers 46, Royal Shock 33.

Bowlers of the week: Kenneth Arpa (619, Aercomms); Sue Abela (563, Veltins).