Fina First unstoppable

The Honda National League continued at the Eden SuperBowl. With just four weeks remaining all seems in order for Fina First to clinch their 11th consecutive title. Last week, the table toppers extended their lead to 22 points over nearest contenders Aercomms, who could only manage a draw.

Fina First took on Maltacom KSSK, currently fighting to avoid the drop. The match was no pushover, particularly the first two games which were only claimed by Fina in the dying frames.

The defending champions could breathe easier in the last game which they took by 55 pins (722-777) to complete the whitewash.

Leli Baldacchino rolled a good 645 series for Fina, including a 256.

Aercomms' failing title challenge is all but over, taking yet another blow as they could only draw against relegation candidates Bomba Giants. The first two games were relatively close, going in favour of the Giants with Aercomms taking the third by 101 pins to force the 4-all tie.

Helenio Grech took a series of 606 for Aercomms and Martin Xerri scored a 549 for the Giants.

Fina Excel beat Striking Distance 6-2 to reclaim third spot in their season-long tussle for a place on the podium. Excel lived up to their name by bowling the highest team series of the night (2,422 pins). Colin Attard compiled a 601 for Striking Distance and Fina's Bertram Vella played a solid 648.

Sixth-placed www.okmalta.com chalked up a handy eight points against bottom team Telesystems, although the latter could have easily taken a share of the points. The game scores progressed 692-612, 746-734 and 766-754. Raymond Farrugia rolled a 594 for the winners and captain Sammy Borg took a 595 for Telesystems, who are now all but doomed.

So-Safe's hopes of making the top three are slipping away fast as they suffered a 6-2 defeat against Technicolor. The first two games were there for the taking, as Technicolor could only manage a 650 and a 680. So-Safe responded with a 707 to take game one, but then squandered two points in the second by playing an abysmal 636 game. Technicolor improved to win the third game 780-736 and the match.

Warsteiner were also 6-2 winners to further boost their survival campaign, with Globalair Travel the unfortunate losers. Mark Muscat was tops for the winners with his 612 set.

Standings: Fina First 126, Aercomms 104, Fina Excel 96, Striking Distance 92, So-Safe 83, www.okmalta.com 80, Technicolor 72, Globalair Travel 70, Warsteiner 60, Maltacom KSSK 55, Bomba Giants 48, Telesystems 26.

Bowlers of the week: Bertram Vella (648) Fina Excel; Bernadette Carranante (583) Swoosh, Division Three.