The much-anticipated top-of-the-table National League clash between Kalkara St Joseph and Floriana Ajax A ended all square with both teams producing exceptional play.

Norbert Attard gave the visitors the early edge, winning the opening game, but an immediate reply by the Reds saw the home side winning three consecutive games, through Kirsten Aquilina and Mario Aquilina in singles and doubles, for a 3-1 lead at the midway point.

Floriana reduced the gap after Vincent Busuttil made the fifth game his, only for Andy Keen to re-open Kalkara’s two-point lead.

A late rally from the Greens saw them winning the last two games, through David Attard in the singles and Busuttil and John Ciantar in the pairs, to secure a hard-earned point which keeps both teams leading the way on 44 points with only three rounds left.

In other matches, Mosta Horseshoe beat Birżebbuġa Cox Sports Club 6-2 and from the lower end of the table Gudja POs and Bormla Bocci Club figured in a four-all draw.

The result meant that Żejtun Beland Bullseye had moved out of the drop zone after an 8-0 win on the table at the expense of the already-doomed Żejtun Juventutis Domus.

In Division Two, Ħamrun Education produced a great performance in their 6-2 win over Buġibba Munchies. The team from Ħamrun lead the way on 35 points, one ahead of the Munchies.

Meanwhile, Attard claimed his second ranking tournament of the season after sweeping past Scerri, Agius and Keen, all with identical 3-0 scores, and Gordon Stanmore 4-0 in the semi-final.

In the final he beat fellow Floriana Ajax team-mate Ciantar 5-3.

League standings

Division One (Championship): Kalkara St Joseph, Floriana Ajax 44 points; Mosta Horseshoe 34; Birżebbuġa Cox SC 14.

Division One (Relegation): Beland Bullseye 20 points; Bormla Boċċi Club, Gudja POs 18; Juventutis Domus (relegated) 2.

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