FDL Office Group are the 2014 National Cup winners after making sure of the title by prevailing over Playvolley Toyota in the first two ties from the best-of-three series at the Cottonera Sports Complex, last weekend.
But this was no easy ride for the Fleur-de-Lys girls as the first match required a fifth set to determine a winner and the second clash between the two finalists dragged into a fourth set.
Playvolley were no pushovers and started Saturday’s opener on a high when going 12-8 ahead in the first set.
However, the services of Thais Gatt put FDL back in the reckoning before Sarcina’s fine block won them the set 25-22.
Playvolley’s defence did not respond effectively in the second set, which FDL won comfortably.
Playvolley were not ready to throw in the towel as yet and they drew the match level at 2-2 even if they won both third and fourth sets by the skin of their teeth (25-23, 28-26).
In the decider, Elgasi and Xuereb gave Playvolley a 6-1 lead that was extended to 10-2.
They seemed heading for an impressive comeback win but then their reception misfired badly as Gatt, one of the best players on court, closed the game with an ace for FDL (15-8).
Playvolley needed to win the second game to prolong the interest in the National Cup final and again they started the second match strongly.
However, well-placed services from Costa and three Daniele Muscat aces helped turn the tables in FDL’s favour. They went on to win the first set 25-12 and the second 25-11.
Playvolley effected some changes and the team combined better to pull one back after a third set 25-15 score in their favour.
The next set was more balanced but in the end Fleur-de-Lys showed better composure and teamwork to seal the issue 3-1 in their favour and with that the National Cup title.
Super League
In the men’s Super League, Mġarr started off on a good note against league leaders Fleur-de-Lys.
The early initiative, however, failed to inspire Mġarr to a repeat of their previous match and the Fleur-de-Lys boys were soon in control.
They won the opening set 25-13 and despite making a number of changes to the team, FDL continued to dominate to win the next two sets 25-10, 25-15 and retain their high placing in the cham-pionship standings.