The Honda League progressed through fixture 17 from 23 last week at Eden Leisure's SuperBowl. The big win of the day went to Duwpa who easily took all points from Dab Beer, seriously denting the latter's hopes of a trophy this season.
The big three - Fina First, Aercomms and Fina Excel - gained further ground on the rest of the field as they all took 6-2 victories from their respective matches. Fina First are still in a class of their own though, 18 points clear at the top.
Duwpa ran riot against fourth-placed Dab Beer, ending up on the winning side of an 8-0 scoreline with the team series of the week (2,434 pins). Kenneth Arpa was high-man yet again for the winners with a 623 series as Dab's best was Mark Muscat - 585. Duwpa moved up to sixth place as Dab are now 12 points adrift of Fina Excel with six matches to go.
Fina First remain top, and appear to be there to stay, having taken six points from Playzone to retain their cushion lead over Aercomms.
Playzone had an early sweetener as they won game one 745-704. But the tables soon turned as Fina First's play improved steadily to claim the next two games. The series went to Fina First by a margin of 167 pins, aided by a 613 three-set from Dennis Mercieca.
Although Aercomms kept in touch with the leaders, after beating Dream Team 6-2, the numbers suggest that they'll have to settle for second or third place yet again this season.
They won the first two games convincingly but stumbled in the third, losing it 822-691. Aercomms held on to the match with a mere 23-pin advantage on the series. Dream Team drop to ninth place, three points above the relegation zone.
Fina Excel are just two points behind Aercomms after their 6-2 win over mid-table Technicolor. Excel bowled a solid 809 and 812 in the first two games. Melissa Anastasi rolled a superb 694 series for the victors.
The two other games, involving the bottom teams, both ended in four-all draws. Although Globalair Travel won games one and three against Toons Two they were surely kicking themselves for losing the second with a low 671.
There was a similar story in the match between Ramis and lowly Royal Shock. Ramis, thanks to their fine win in game two, were 25 pins better on the night to force a draw.
Standings: Fina First 110, Aercomms 92, Fina Excel 90, Dab Beer 78, Playzone 70, Duwpa 66, Technicolor 66, Ramis 58, Dream Team 57, Globalair Travel 54, Toons Two 43, Royal Shock 32.
Bowlers of the Week: Raymond Falzon (659) Aercomms; Mark Spiteri (659) Maltacom KSSK (Div II); Melissa Anastasi (694) Fina Excel.