Vella leads side to TCK Shield win

After winning the Shield in 2006 and 2007, Joe Vella's team succeeded in making it a hat-trick last month by winning the 2008 edition of the tournament, sponsored by San Michel at Tennis Club Kordin.

Vella is the first captain to achieve this honour in the Shield. From the outset, it was clear that this year his team had to contend with the challenge of Team F, captained by Clint Cassar.

As anticipated, the final rubber was crucial for both teams. Team F had won the tie-break in the women's C category 7-3 and now all the pressure was on Richard Magri and Robert Attard, of Vella's team.

They had to face Manuel Bonello and Marc Vella Bonnici in a decisive match. The first set was rather close with Magri and Attard holding the upperhand to win it 6-4.

Bonello and Bonnici tried hard but the experience of their opponents proved to be a winning asset. Magri/Attard won the second set 6-2 to send Team A in euphoria.

The final result was 8-6 in favour of Vella's team.