Having already claimed the MSV Life National League title with two weeks to spare, new champions Fina took a back seat in the penultimate week’s Division I fixtures, losing 6-2 to Bowlers on Strike.

Meanwhile, okmalta.com and Ramis are taking their battle for second place down to the final week, after fine victories left them four points apart, with eight up for grabs in week 18.

At the other end of the table, Gladiators are finally confirmed for relegation, their four-all draw with MIA not being enough to keep their fading hopes alive.

The second relegation spot will also be decided in the final week, MIA holding a four-point advantage over St James Hospital, who slumped 8-0 against Turu’s Knights.

Second place okmalta.com re-tained their second placing after an 8-0 victory over Royal Shock.

They won the opener 689-726, and backed that up with a 735-757 game two win to double their lead.

Okmalta.com’s best game came in the third which they won 728-790 to round off the whitewash.

Royal Shock are fourth, and will be looking to avoid slipping to fifth in their final clash with MIA.

Ramis dropped two points in their 6-2 victory over HepO2 Acorn, to make their final attempt to steal second place from Ramis just a little more tricky.

They lost out in the first of the set as HepO2 Acorn drew first blood with a great 756-815 victory, but the tables were completely turned in game two, which fell 742-682 to Ramis.

Ramis then won the deciding third game 784-744 to bag the series by 41 pins (2,282-2,241).

Ramis have the toughest final day challenge, facing Bowlers on Strike, whereas okmalta.com are sure favourites to claim the runners-up spot, facing under-threat St James.

Bowlers of the week: Neil Sullivan (okmalta.com, 635); Sue Abela (Fina, 562).

Standings: Fina 110 (champions), okmalta.com 96, Ramis 92, Royal Shock 78, Turu’s Knights 74, Bowlers on Strike 66, HepO2 Acorn 60, MIA 38, St James Hospital 34, Gladiators (relegated) 28.