Division One leaders Fina First suffered their second consecutive defeat in Week 18 of the Honda National League at Eden Leisure's SuperBowl, losing all eight points in a thrashing from spirited mid-table side Playzone.
It was the ideal result for title chasers Aercomms who beat Globalair Travel, to further close the gap on the leaders and extend their advantage over third-placed Fina Excel to six points after the latter were beaten by DUWPA.
At the other end of the standings, Palatino picked up a lifeline by taking full points from their clash with fellow strugglers Mizzi Organisation.
Leaders Fina First seemed to be at sixes and sevens against Playzone, who put on the best performance of the week (2,450 series) in the trouncing of the defending champions.
Game one was Fina's best on 751, but they were broadsided by Playzone's 814. A typical Fina comeback was nowhere to be seen as they lost the next two games 758-704 and 878-734.
Doris Camilleri was high bowler for the winners once again - 700.
Aercomms capitalised on Fina's defeat and strengthened their position in second place by beating Globalair 6-2. They had a relatively easy time in the opener, 793-717, but the shoe was on the other foot in the second which Globalair won 805-711.
The final game was closer as Globalair failed to hold their form, rolling a low 698 against a 728 from Aercomms. That was enough to give Aercomms the match points as the series finished 12-pins in their favour.
Third-placed Fina Excel lost ground after going down 6-2 at the hands of DUWPA. There were no big games for DUWPA but they were the more consistent side. Kenneth Arpa's 570 was top for the winners, and Franco Ricci's 573 was Fina Excel's best individual showing.
Palatino came out on top of the red zone clash with Mizzi Org. by taking all eight points to keep their survival hopes alive. There was little co-ordination in Mizzi Org.'s play, and very low games were the result as the scores progressed (Palatino first) 717-697, 739-635 and 703-657.
There were also eight points for Maltacom KSSK who faced Ramis, captain Mark Spiteri rolling a good 616 three-set for the winners.
Vodka Cruiser are the relegation favourites, but still managed to pull off a 6-2 win against fourth-placed DAB Beer. Vodka Cruiser claimed the series by just nine pins. Edward Caruana took a 626 for the winners.
Standings: Fina First 108, Aercomms 92, Fina Excel 86, DAB Beer 77, Maltacom 74, Playzone 72, Globalair 70, DUWPA 68, Ramis 63, Palatino 58, Mizzi Org. 56, Vodka Cruiser 40.
Bowlers of the Week: Edward Caruana (626) Ramis; Doris Camilleri (700) Playzone.