Good start for Birkirkara team in Megaman League

This season's Megaman League at the Cottonera Sports Complex is once again dominated by the direct encounters between the best two local sides - defending champions Pawla Wolves Assikura and Birkirkara Firetech.

They will face each other five times over a period of five months to determine the winner of the national championship title.

Birkirkara started their commitments on the right foot by winning the first of this five-match series 4-1.

Ironically, it was the Wolves who went initially ahead by winning the opening mixed doubles thanks to David Cole-Catherine Dimech. They beat Robert Salomone-Fiorella Farrugia 21-15 21-11.

However, Birkirkara reacted promptly and drew level through Stefan Salomone who won his singles against Kenneth Vella 21-5 21-17. Maria Borg quickly followed in Salomone's footsteps by winning her singles over Joanne Cassar 12-21 21-19 21-15 to nudge Birkirkara 2-1 ahead.

Having forfeited their initial lead and with the match now slipping from their grasp, the Wolves had no other option but to take the men's doubles to draw level.

Wolves pair Kenneth Vella/ David Cole started well by taking the first set 21-19. However, the Salomone duo reacted strongly to win the remaining two sets 21-14 and 21-13.

With a decisive 3-1 lead, Birkirkara also took the remaining women's doubles through a walkover since Cassar could not go on court for the Wolves due to injury.