Pawla Wolves claim Div. Two title

The H2Only Mixed League drew to a close last weekend when the two remaining second division fixtures were played.

The highlight of the weekend was the direct encounter between joint league leaders Pawla Wolves Schtag and Birkirkara Red Lion.

The Wolves are this season's second division champions. Theirs was a merited success as the Wolves were never defeated throughout the competition, having only dropped two points in a drawn first round encounter against the Lions.

Both teams competed neck-and-neck throughout the season but, in the very last and decisive match, the Wolves made the title their own with a 3-1 win.

Initially, the match seemed to be a balanced affair. David Cole put the Wolves ahead with a 15/10 15/1 singles victory over Daniel Abdilla.

Lions' captain Martin Farrugia then put the match on an even keel by having the better of Wolves' captain Edmond Abela in three sets. Having lost the initial set 6/15, Farrugia recovered to win the other two 15/6 and 15/7.

However, the Wolves went on to secure the remaining two doubles games, thereby putting the match beyond their opponents' reach. Brothers Edmond and Rodney Abela took the first doubles with an unequivocal 15/1 15/2 win over Abdilla and Rachel Attard.

Rodney Abela then partnered Cole for a 15/9 15/2 victory over Lions' duo Farrugia/Rachel Attard.

In the other second division match of the day, Shuttles BC and Birkirkara Jazz faced each other for third place. The match turned out to be a repeat performance of their first round encounter, ending in another 2-2 draw.

Final positions: Pawla Wolves Schtag 30 points; Birkirkara Red Lion 27; Shuttles BC and Birkirkara Jazz 16; Birkirkara Power Fruit 8.

Summer events

The end of the H2Only Mixed League brings the curtain down on the competitive season but the Badminton Association is planning to hold some fun events for its members during the summer.

The first one will be a Singles Handicap Tournament being held on July 6 at the Cottonera Sports Complex.