Week 11 of the Honda National League was a quiet affair at the Eden SuperBowl as Division One fixtures were decimated by a number of postponements due to the absence of the Maltese national squad, abroad for the 2003 World Championships in Malaysia.
In the three matches which did take place, Fina Excel picked up a good 6-2 win against third placed Maltacom KSSK to keep up the pressure on leaders Fina First, whose match with Vodka Cruiser was called off.
Elsewhere DUWPA beat Mizzi Organization 6-2 and Ramis also took six points from Palatino.
In the match of the day, Fina Excel faced Maltacom, the latter coming into the match hoping to leapfrog their opponents with a big win. This was not to be, however, as Excel took off with an 826-766 beating in game one, aided by a 267 opener from Brian Farrugia. He held his fine form with a 235 in the second which also went to Excel 853-785.
Starting the final game 128 pins down, any hopes of a Maltacom comeback to clinch a draw were slim, but they did manage to take a consolatory two points as they took the game 764-778.
Farrugia completed a great 713 series for the winners, who took the series points by 114 pins. Excel are now four points behind Fina First who, however, have a match in hand.
Palatino are living on dangerous ground, slipping to 10th place after going down to Ramis, now fourth pending the outcome of the postponed matches.
Charles Farrugia continued his impressive season for Ramis, shooting a 621 series, while Palatino's best bowler was Rankin Camilleri who rolled a fine 645.
The other match of the evening also ended 6-2, with DUWPA grabbing the major share of the points at the expense of Mizzi Organisation.
Sean Attard rolled a 627 series for DUWPA, and Jenny Swift was again top for the losers on 606.
Standings: Fina First 64, Fina Excel 60, Maltacom KSSK 50, Ramis 47, DUWPA 46, Aercomms 46, Globalair Travel 38, Mizzi Organisation 36, DAB Beer 35, Palatino 32, Playzone 30, Vodka Cruiser 20.
Bowlers of the Week: Brian Farrugia (713) Fina Excel; Jenny Swift (606) Mizzi Organisation.