Neighbours San Giljan and Neptunes claimed victories over Marsaxlokk and Exiles respectively, the Reds recording their sixth win in succession yesterday.
In a tightly-contested first match, San Giljan recovered from twice being two goals in arrears in the first two sessions, to beat a fading Marsaxlokk by nine goals to six.
The southerners looked a good bet to collect two points as they were sharper in the initial stages. But, tactical flaws saw them zoning on Ian Azzopardi who punished them by netting five of his side's goals.
Towards the end, Marsaxlokk ran out of steam and ideas and also drew nervous.
Anton Privitera and coach Mark Farrugia were dismissed. The Saints, on their part, kept their cool to register a deserved first win.
In the second match, Neptunes, although not quite in full throttle, were, as expected, clearly superior to opponents who could never breach a zonal rearguard which Dirk Dowling experimented with throughout.
Neptunes' zone was maintained and breaks off that base were of natural consequence. The scoreline widened in the latter sessions with Neptunes cantering to a comfortable 16-3 victory.
San Giljan Kia 9
(2-3, 2-2, 2-1, 3-0)
Marsaxlokk Freeport 6
San Giljan: K. Schembri, K. D'Ugo, S. Mercieca, C. Bonello, P. Cachia (1), M. Zammit (1), I. Azzopardi (5), J. Camilleri, G. Farrugia (1), A. Borda, S. Borg (1), M. Pace, K. Grima Scott, Adam Borda, J. Spiteri.
Marsaxlokk: R. Bonnici, S. Cachia (2), R. Calleja, K. Incorvaja, N. Kerr, C. Bugeja, R. Cutajar, S. Cutajar, G. Ghirxi (1), K. Enriquez (1), D. Cassar, L. Cachia (1), A. Privitera (1).
Refs: M. Dalli, M. Angilleri.
Exiles Rmf 3
(0-4, 2-3, 1-4, 0-5)
Neptunes Vodafone 16
Exiles: A. Grech, M. Grima, M. Zarb, D. Pace Lupi (2), T. Sullivan, K. Camilleri, D. Sullivan, J. Cremona (1), J.J. Tabone, K. Rizzo Naudi, A. Arrigo, J. Vella, J. Cuschieri.
Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon (4), T. Agius, K. Galea (3), E. Cachia (1), J. Brownrigg (2), S. Gravina, C. Zammit (2), David Camilleri, M. Azzopardi (1), Dean Camilleri, M. Stellini (2), M. Pisani (1).
Refs: P. Balzan, A. Fenech.