Falcons and Paola Executive Security booked their place in the National Cup final after they won their respective semi-final matches at the Cottonera Sports Complex last weekend.
The two semi-final showdowns were played on Sunday and turned out to be highly competitive affairs.
In the first semi-final, Super League leaders Falcons knocked out Malta champions Swieqi Phoenix Nium 3-2.
Falcons, led by coach Jacques Seifert, found themselves behind as Swieqi, led by coach Leonard Zammit Munro, took the opening set 25-18.
The match remained on a tight edge as Falcons took the second set but Swieqi moved on the brink when taking the third 25-18.
Here, Falcons’ character came to the fore as they first forced a decider by winning the fourth 25-23 before sealing the comeback by takin the fifth set 15-10.
In the second-semi-final, Paola Executive Security, who play in the First Division, also needed a tiebreak to stun Super League side Birkirkara 3-2 in a three-hour contest.
Paola, led by Michael Magro and assisted by Antonio Borg, trailed early on after losing the opening set 25-13.
The Paolites temporarily levelled the match when taking the second set 25-16 but Stefan Decelis’ Birkirkara were back in front when taking the third set 25-17.
But Paola stepped up their game to take the fourth set 25-23 before prevailing in the decider 15-11.
The National Cup final is scheduled to be played in early March.
RESULTS
National Cup SFs: Falcons vs Swieqi Phoenix Nium 3-2; Birkirkara vs Paola Executive Security 2-3.
U-19 League: Paola vs Flyers 3-2.
U-17 League: Swieqi Phoenix Volley Maniacs vs Birkirkara ThunderSpikes 0-3; Birkirkara Storms vs Swieqi Block N Roll 0-3.
Under 15 League: Falcons vs Paola Maypole 1-3; Birkirkara vs Depiro 3-1.
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