The Honda National League is now well underway at Eden Leisure's SuperBowl where the third day from a total of 23 was completed.
The lead changed hands again as Globalair Travel beat previous leaders Mizzi Organisation to take top spot. Fina Excel won to go second, as did Aercomms who are third. The only full-point victory of the week went to newly-promoted youth team Palatino who pulled themselves out of the bottom spot with this result.
Globalair, after a very lucky escape from relegation last season, are now top of the first division. Against Mizzi Organisation, they opened with a big 841 against their opponents' 772, but the latter bounced back in the second to win 734-796 thus levelling the match and going into the final game with a mere seven-pin disadvantage.
Globalair sprung back into action though as they responded with another 800+ game (821) to take the lion's share of the points - 6-2.
The team series of the week, once again, went to Fina First in their 6-2 victory over Maltacom KSSK. The first game was a tough one, with the two teams slugging it out frame by frame, ending 791-817 in Maltacom's favour. The upset did little to deter the champions as they came back strongly to take the next two games, claiming the series by 85 pins.
Leli Baldacchino was in classic form for Fina First with an impressive 708 series.
Palatino were in superb form against Vodka Cruiser. The match progressed 693-688, 774-695 and 776-702 to give Palatino their first win of their debut season in the top stream, and lift them from the bottom up to ninth place.
Junior squad member Justin Caruana Scicluna stepped up to shoot a respectable 493 series (523 gross) for Vodka Cruiser - setting a new record in that, at the tender age of 13, he is the youngest bowler to ever compete in Division One.
Fina Excel moved up to second place with a 6-2 win against DAB Beer. DAB started badly but won the third game 712-727 to clinch a two-pin consolation prize. DAB's only saving grace was a fine performance from Mark Muscat. He bowled a 654 series.
Aercomms also claimed a 6-2 win at the expense of Ramis, giving them a boost up to third place. Ramis are now 11th. Clive Farrugia displayed fine consistency, bowling a 644 series for the winners.
The other match, between Playzone and Duwpa, ended in a four-all draw. The Playzone ladies took the first two games to build a 33-pin advantage.
That lead was shattered, however, along with their victory hopes, as Duwpa stepped up a gear to force a draw.
Standings
Globalair Travel 18, Fina Excel 18, Aercomms 16, Fina First 14, Mizzi Organisation 14, Maltacom KSSK 14, DAB Beer 12, DUWPA 10, Palatino 10, Playzone 8, Ramis 6, Vodka Cruiser 4.
Bowlers of the Week
Leli Baldacchino (708) Fina First; Melissa Anastasi (597) Fina Excel.