Sliema McDonald's and Exiles Jet Services won their respective matches against San Ġiljan Firetech and Marsascala Solid Base Engineering yesterday.
At the beginning, there was little to choose between the team from Sliema and the southseasiders as goals were traded at each end only for Exiles to lead 6-5 at the half-way stage.
However, three quick goals at the start of the third quarter brought some relief in the Exiles' camp, with a revitalized John Paris reaching his hat-trick and helping his side extend their lead to 10-7 with the last part of the game left.
Two man-ups missed in succession by Marsascala proved costly for Anthony Farrugia's team as Exiles extended their advantage to canter home winners.
The second match on yesterday's card turned out to be a close contest during the first three sessions, with Sliema only being able to shake off the stern challenge of a much-improved San Ġiljan after grinding their way with strength and expertise against their fighting opponents to win the last session 7-3.
A significant moment in the match was when, with the score on 9-8 in the Blues' favour a penalty was awarded against the Saints, a decision which provoked strong protests from Marco Risso's team. In no time, Sliema extended their lead to 11-8, a gap which San Ġiljan were too spent to bridge in those last minutes.
The Blues owed their victory mainly to five-goal Bogdan Rath as well as their 100 per cent scoring rate on man-ups.
Exiles 14
Marsascala 9
(3-3, 3-2, 4-2, 4-2)
Exiles: A. Borg Cole, J. Rizzo Naudi 1, H. Vassallo 1, C. Bonca 2, T. Sullivan 2, M. Calleja 1, J. Paris 4, K. Grixti, A. Zarb Cousin, A. Cousin 2, J. Fenech, S. Cini, K. Lanzon 1, A. Cachia.
Marsascala: R. Sciortino, J.C. Cutajar, B. Szabo 3, M. Koralji 3, M. Borg Spiteri, L. Grixti, J. Licari 2, J. Cremona 1, S. Micallef, T. Agius, R. Attard, G. Pace, J. Bonnici, S. Farrugia.
Refs: P. Balzan, A. De Raffaele.
Sliema 14
San Ġiljan 10
(3-2, 3-2, 1-3, 7-3)
Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabaretta 2, N. Lubrano, P. Privitera 1, M. Meli 1, J. Soler 3; D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg, C. Debono, A. Kunac 2, M. Rizzo, B. Rath 5, A. Bianchi.
San Ġiljan: D. Camilleri, C. Spiteri de Barro 1, M. Pace, K. Galea 1, C. Gialanze 1, K. Dowling, H. Nossek 3, A. Bianchi, E. Aquilina 2, R. Scerri, P. Fava 1, M. Toth 1, K. Schembri, A. Borda, K. Galea.
Refs: M. Angilleri, A. Severo.
Next matches: Sunday - 4.15 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Marsascala; 5.30 p.m. Otters vs Ta' Xbiex; 6.45 p.m. Sirens vs Neptunes.