Qormi Seiko 44

Naxxar Danone 61

(3-11) (21-13) (5-22) (15-15)

Naxxar booked a place in the semis after a good win over the young Qormi side, who surprised in the middle stages of the match.

Naxxar swept into a 9-0 lead before Qormi could make their first points through free shots.

In the second session Naxxar could increase their advantage to a 17-5 score but Qormi suddenly found their form and a 7-0 run opened up their recovery. They went on to overturn the score and an Ann Camilleri trey gave them the lead, only for Irene Farrugia to tie the game at the interval on a 24-24 score.

Qormi’s enterprise ended after the break, as Naxxar powered into a 10-0 run, and then went on to contribute as before.

After three sessions Naxxar had increased their lead further so that it was easier for them in the final quarter. Adelia Bonannoreplied for Qormi but the result was way beyond them as Naxxar had control and rested their established players at the end

Qormi: 15 Adelia Bonanno.

Naxxar: 14 Irene Farrugia; 12 Sandra Schembri Wismayer.

Referees: Jennifer Mangion; Mark Camilleri

Hibs Go Mobile 89

Kerygma 46

(27-6) (16-11) (23-10) (23-19)

Hibs strolled past Kerygma in the second preliminary match. Going 7-0 ahead at the start, they then had a strong finish to the session on a long 16-0 run with Kerygma unable to stop their adversaries.

The Paolites’ run continued in the second quarter, with Kerygma coming more into the picture near the end, as Renette Debono was useful in the zone. At the interval it was a 43-17 game.

Things weren’t that brighter for Kerygma after the break. Hibs’ insistence throughout the game brought them more points and Kerygma could only reply in spurts.

Marion Vella’s height advantage was evident as Hibs’ lead kept on increasing.

The final session was no different as Alexis Darmanin complimented Vella’s presence to run up a high score. Hibs ended the game with their subs on court as Kerygma took advantage to improve their score a little.

Hibs: 27 Marion Vella; 24 Alexis Darmanin.

Kerygma: 20 Renette Debono; 17 Josette Calleja

Referees: Alfred Carbonaro, Joe Borg

Men first division

Mosta 45

SN SUNS 57

(18-7) (10-16) (12-20) (5-14)

Suns returned to winning ways, after two defeats, as Mosta suffered their third defeat in a row.

It was Mosta who made the early running, as they dominated the first session but Suns had a reply in the second quarter, as they cut down the deficit. Mosta came back midway through the quarter but Suns were well in contention and by the interval they were within striking distance, on a 23-28 score.

After the break Suns had to suffer Mosta’s insistence once again but then Mosta dried up and Suns made a good ending to the third quarter, on a long 13-0 run, as they overtook Mosta, to lead 43-40.

They kept on at the start of the last session with further points before Mosta could put in their reply, but by then it was too late as Suns had a good grip on the match, and they finished comfortable winners over a jaded Mosta outfit.

Mosta: 14 David Aquilina; 12 Mark Spiteri.

Suns: 19 Robert Camilleri; 10 Mark Schembri.

Referees: Steve Gouder, Alfred Carbonaro.

Mellieha SVS 52

Floriana 61

(9-9) (8-17) (13-20) (22-15)

Floriana obtained their first league win after two defeats and handed Mellieha their first adverse result in three matches. It was a slow start for both teams as they battled out a tie after the first session.

The second quarter was livelier as Mellieha matched the Greens in the first part but then Floriana started checking and Noel Agius helped them on to an 11-0 run. Mellieha recovered a little at the end, but at the break Floriana were still 26-17 ahead on a low score.

After the interval Mellieha reacted to creep near to their opponents. Floriana recovered to register a good 12-0 run with Mark Pace bagging two treys. Floriana kept their lead till the end of the session, to lead 46-30.

In the final session Mellieha put in their last efforts. Floriana held out at first but then Mellieha managed a good 14-2 run with treys by Joshua Aquilina and Paul Magro to go within five points.

It was not enough as Floriana held out, added some more points and made the double over Mellieha, having beaten them in the Shield.

Mellieha: 25 Joshua Aquilina.

Floriana: 16 Michael Amaira; 12 Mark Pace

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Stephen Micallef.