Lisa Marie Bezzina and Luke Micallef provided the Pembroke zip at Ta’ Qali at the penultimate encounter of this season’s Road Running League. Lisa consolidated her challenge for top spot with another superb win, with Luke fast emerging as a strong candidate for the second over-all spot with his strong running. In fact, Luke confirmed his Road Relay effort was no fluke when he edged out Mellieha’s long-time front runner Andrew Grech by nine seconds to finish on 32’31” and just 34 seconds behind this year’s champion Charlton Debono, ex-Pembroke, who made a magnificent time of 31’57”. Luke now just needs to place second again in two months’ time at Marsaskala to finish right behind the champion in a not-to-be-forgotten season. Meantime Lisa had yet another course personal best with her time of 4 seconds over the 36 minutes, her victory being more than a minute over another ex. from the Club.
Team-wise, Ta’ Qali was a cliff-hanger for the club. With a host of athletes either laid off sick or nursing injuries, it was up to our valiant, tried and tested warriors to enable the Club to hold on – precariously – to the third position; just in front of St Patrick’s. While at Bugibba Pembroke forfeited 11 points, this time round the tally was 25 points, bringing our rivals within the striking distance of just 7 points. So come on guys, let’s give it our all in the last encounter! Backing Luke at Ta’ Qali were Peter Azzopardi, Chris Bezzina and Nigel Camilleri.
The Pembroke girls’ too had their work cut out to challenge for second place, but with the advantage given us by Lisa with her one penalty point, Hannah Pace and Joanne Gauci did enough for our team to keep our grip on the third spot and a podium finish. So come on girls, let us not lose our cool and give proof of your potential.
Anthony Fava
PRO
