Wins for San Anton and Playvolley in ladies' league

San Anton Beer Garden and Playvolley obtained three points from their encounters against Fleur-de-Lys CFK and X-Sel respectively as the ladies' seniors league's first phase enters a decisive stage.

In less than a month's time, the teams will be divided into two groups. The top three teams will compete in the first division while the others will fight it out in the second division. Such format encourages all teams to work hard and collect as many points as possible as these are carried forward to the next phase.

San Anton Beer Garden needed less than an hour to beat a rather weak Fleur-de-Lys CFK side 3-0.

Fleur-de-Lys's failings in defence and attack meant that they could never offer a good challenge to their more-experienced opponents.

Playvolley were faced with a stiffer challenge by X-Sel but still achieved a 3-1 win over the bottom-placed side.

After clinching the first set rather easily, Playvolley took their feet off the pedal, enabling X-Sel to take the second set 27-25.

However, Playvolley's experience helped them recover from this situation quickly, taking the next two sets with an identical score of 25-20.

In the men's second division, Aloysians, led by the in-form Alan Gauci, kept up the pace with leaders San Anton Beer Garden after beating Kerygma 3-0. Much more was expected from Kerygma whose chances of retaining the title have been severely dented.

In the only match from the youth leagues, Kerygma defeated lowly San Anton Beer Garden 2-0. The winners showed great organisation in their play to climb to second place after six matches.

U-12 tournaments

Meanwhile, several young players took part in the first of three Under-12 tournaments organised recently by the Junior and Youth Commission within the Malta Volleyball Association.

These U-12 festivals do not have a competition format. All teams play against each other as the principal aim is to encourage youngsters to enjoy playing volleyball.

The three-hour event at the Cottonera Sports Complex saw the participation of 10-, 11- and 12-year-old players from Flyers, Paola and SkolaSport.

A number of local clubs are indeed showing a better commitment to youth development.

Organisers are optimistic that the second tournament, to be held around carnival time, will attract the participation of more clubs and schools.