Birkirkara Smart Office Supplies are the winners of the 2013/14 Mixed Teams League after beating direct rivals Paola BC 4-1 earlier this week.

Victory handed Birkirkara an unassailable four-point lead over the Paolites in the standings.

Birkirkara’s build-up to the match was hampered by injuries sustained by their top players.

Samuel Cali was still suffering from a small fracture in his wrist as both Aldo Polidano and Stephen Ferrante were not 100 per cent fit.

Paola BC, on their part, had to do without Jacqueline Grech Licari who was also recovering from injury.

Birkirkara went ahead when Polidano and Fiorella Sadowski found little trouble in winning the mixed doubles against Kenneth Vella and Joanne Cassar, 21-10 21-12.

However, Owen Grech immediately levelled the scores for the Paolites by winning the men’s singles rubber.

Facing the upcoming Matthew Galea, Grech was in control of the proceedings from the outset, winning the match 21-8 21-4.

The women’s singles was another one-sided affair with Marica Micallef regaining the lead for Birkirkara by defeating Sandra Spiteri 21-8 21-9.

Trailing 2-1, Paola had to win their remaining two matches to stop Birkirkara from putting their hands on the championship trophy.

The opening set of the men’s doubles match was very close before Polidano and Ferrante managed to grasp the set 21-19.

Paola duo Henrik Thonsem and Vella hit back strongly though to win the second set 21-13 and force a decider.

The third set produced a tight battle between the two pairs, but eventually Polidano and Ferrante prevailed 21- 15 to seal the title for the Birkirkara team.

With the points secured, the women’s doubles was a mere formality.

Sadowski and Micallef teamed up to beat Cassar and Spiteri 21-7 21-12 to seal the win for Birkirkara.