The pre-season championship may have slipped through their fingers. But Ashton Villa has managed to maintain an ironclad grip on Laval’s top division nonetheless.

The former champs won their second straight game in convincing fashion, the latest a 4-1 win over the All Blacks, to move into a first-place tie with old rivals Transilvania atop the B1 Division. Despite fielding an aging roster, Ashton Villa captain Stephane Turcotte isn’t ruling out another championship.

Transilvania managed their own end equally well by deflating the early-season momentum of Stiinta Andy Transport with a hard fought 7-5 victory. The losers maintain a hold on third spot regardless.

POTG: While Ashton Villa’s defensive play has been nothing short of stellar, the captain credits Zareh Shahinian for putting the game out of reach. And one can’t ignore the individual effort of striker Dave Cloutier, who has scored six goals in his first two games.

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