Rabat made to sweat by Qormi

Punch & Judy Rabat consolidated their lead at the top of the table but not before seeing off the stern challenge of Pasta Poiatti Qormi.

The George Pub's positive start to the campaign was tarnished when they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Young Stars.

The George Pub went into Sunday's game on the back of two consecutive victories. Such optimism counted for nothing on Sunday as they were swept aside by a better Young Stars team who, following their upset against Rabat, needed to garner all points in order to stay in touch with the leaders.

First-half goals from Chris Attard and Chris Bugeja set Young Stars en route to victory and only steady defending by Reno Cremona and goalkeeper Galea prevented them from winning by a more comfortable margin. Ryan Gatt capped a fine performance by scoring the third goal for Young Stars.

Punch & Judy had easily disposed of The Athlete's Foot (5-0) and Young Stars (2-0) in their opening two outings. Their meeting with bottom side Pasta Poiatti was viewed as a straightforward test for Rabat but expectations were defied. Rabat had to rely on a Rene Antonelli goal eight minutes from time to finally shrug off the determined Pasta Poiatti.

A number of Rabat players performed below their usual standards and the tight marking approach favoured by their opponents, threatened to upset Punch & Judy Rabat.

Despite rotating their attackers, Rabat hardly got a sight of goal and when Seychell did muster a shot, veteran Ray Spiteri - Qormi's first-choice goalkeepers were both out injured - pulled off an incredible save. Antonelli's goal was greeted with a sigh of relief by the Rabat clan.

The HAM League first round comes to an end on Sunday with two matches. At 9 a.m. Punch & Judy Rabat face The George Pub followed by The Athlete's Foot vs Young Stars match at 11 a.m.