Week 14 of the MSV Life National League was phenomenal, in that there were a pair of matching perfect games (300 score), something which has never occurred in the same round of competition.
The bowlers concerned were Justin Caruana Scicluna and Mauro Anastasi, who play for rival teams Fina and okmalta.com, respectively.
Okmalta.com picked up a draw against Royal Shock thanks to Anastasi’s achievement, while Fina were 6-2 winners against XS.
Ramis dropped to third after another 4-4 draw with Turu’s Knights as Blitzkrieg picked up the only full-point win of the week against a weakened Pin Strikers side. MIA moved closer to top-flight safety, thanks to a 6-2 win over Supreme.
Caruana Scicluna’s staggering 10th career 300 came in the second game of Fina’s win over XS, who actually took the early lead with a 698-664 game one win.
Then, in game two, Caruana Scicluna’s 12 straight strikes was the highlight of a solid team effort, helping Fina to a convincing 928-722 equalising win.
That placed Fina 172 pins ahead on the set, heading into the final game, which they won 795-744 for the match, with Caruana Scicluna completing a solid 671 series.
Okmalta.com’s Anastasi also rolled a 671 series, but his magical 300 game (fourth in career, second official) came in the last of the series, and proved to be crucial for his side.
Royal Shock had begun their clash with the league leaders bursting with confidence, easily taking the opener 858-759 before then doubling their advantage with a sound 821-779 game two win.
With a lead of 141 pins heading into game three, Royal Shock felt sure of victory and were aiming for all eight points. However, they were in for a rather rude awakening as okmalta.com staged a comeback, thanks mainly to Anastasi’s superb effort.
They won it 962-770 and so also claimed the series points (2,500-2,449) to force the draw.
Bowlers of the week: Neil Sullivan (okmalta.com, 676); Tiziana Carannante (Turu’s Knights, 622).
Standings: okmalta.com 92, Fina 84, Ramis 84, XS 58, Turu’s Knights 57, Royal Shock 50, MIA 44, Supreme 40, Blitzkrieg 32, Pin Strikers 19.