Marsascala Mapei are the winners of the men's volleyball championship following their second victory over rivals Fleur-de-Lys FEB in the best-of-three final series at the Cottonera Sports Complex last weekend.

Mapei started the play-offs with a 3-0 victory and extended their current good form to game two of the series which they won 3-1 for the 2007/08 national title.

FEB began the second game on a high, taking the opening set 25-18, thanks mainly to the effective attacking play of Paul Tonna. Setter Patrick Bonnett was also instrumental at this stage for FEB, providing his team-mates with inviting opportunities to snatch points.

Mapei were unable to match their opponents' performance but coach Mark Hili inspired his lads to step up their game in the second set and they responded well by levelling the score.

Ron Stivala, Paul Vella and Owen Spiteri led Mapei's charge as the team from Marsascala sustained the pressure in the next two sets which they won at the expense of the demoralised FEB.

The attention of local volleyball enthusiasts will now turn to the women's KO competition on April 26 and 27. In the semi-finals, Paola Hibs Candy, the league champions, meet Playvolley Reds and X-Sel face Flyers.

National teams

The men's and women's national teams will travel to Salerno this week for a training camp ahead of the upcoming European Championships in Malta.

The women's championships will take place at the Cottonera Sports Complex between May 16 and 18. The Maltese girls will play against Iceland, San Marino and Cyprus.

The men's tournament will be held between June 6 and 8 with Malta pitting their wits against Scotland, Cyprus and Iceland.

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