Birkirkara and Pawla share the spoils

The Mixed League has now reached its final phase with the two best teams, Pawla Wolves Schtag and defending champions Birkirkara Medairco 'A', contesting the play-offs for the title.

An innovative measure, introduced this season, envisages that the outcome of the direct league encounters would be included for reckoning in the play-off series.

Having won both league matches, Birkirkara approached the first play-off with understandable confidence. The match turned out to be balanced though and ended in a 4-4 draw. The Wolves took an early lead but Birkirkara hit back to secure an important drawn result.

Birkirkara started on the right footing taking the opening ladies' singles through Jacqueline De Giovanni. However, the Wolves reacted promptly to take the next three games in succession.

Their first point was obtained by Catherine Dimech/Edmund Abela in the mixed doubles and followed by Kenneth Vella who defeated Stefan Salomone 15/10, 15/10.

David Cole then put the Wolves 3-1 ahead when he had the better of Konrad Degabriele in another exciting three-setter.

Realising that the match was slipping from their grasp, Robert Salomone made amends for Bir-kirkara by winning the third men's singles against Joakim Boholm.

The holders then drew level at 3-3 after a ladies' doubles success through Rachel Attard/Jacqueline De Giovanni.

Deciding doubles events

With the match now back on an even keel, the remaining two men's doubles were to decide the outcome. However, these were shared one apiece by both sides.

The Wolves took the first one thanks to Kenneth Vella/Rodney Abela but Birkirkara drew level again thanks to the contribution of the Salomone brothers.

The next play-off in the series will be played on Sunday. With two wins and a draw on their record, Birkirkara clearly enjoy a psychological edge.

On their part, the Paolites must somehow come to terms with the pressure. Their only objective is to win at all costs, failing which, this season's championship title would go beyond their reach.