Super Cup glory for Hibs, FDL

The Super Cup matches, played last weekend at the Cottonera Sports Complex, signalled the official start of the Malta Volleyball Association 2008/09 season.

In the men's contest, Fleur de Lys FEB beat Valletta Mapei 3-0. The same result was attained by Paola Hibs Candy in the women's cup. They beat Playvolley.

After winning the pre-season tournament a week before, Hibs proved too strong for their opponents. They took the first two sets easily with Playvolley offering little resistance.

However, the third set was more balanced and both teams levelled the score at 23-all.

In the end, though, the experience of the Paolites helped them secure the extra two points required to win them their fifth consecutive Super Cup.

The FDL boys continued with their positive streak on Sunday as they lifted the Super Cup for the fourth time in front of a sizeable crowd. Valletta do not seem to have settled down as yet with Ron Stivala and Paul Vella still not 100 per cent fit.

The game got off to a balanced start before Fleur de Lys pulled away at the end of the set to win it 25-20.

The second set was going Valletta's way and at one point they led 12-6. But then, David Caruana applied pressure on Valletta's reception and Fleur de Lys shot 16-12 in front. They administered the advantage, also with the help of some effective defending by new libero Mauro Busuttil, to take the second set 25-20.

Swedish setter Par Hoglund distinguished himself for FDL in the third set as Paul Tonna wreaked havoc in Valletta's defence.

Jonathan Chetcuti secured the win with two blocks, closing the third set at 25-20.