An enthralling final saw Hibernians obtain a victory over champions, Depiro, to take the first honour of the season, in the women’s category. It was also Hibs’ eighth success in the Super Cup.

Both teams took time to settle down, before Maria Desira grabbed a three-point play for Hibs. The two sides then sank treys, and Hibs held on to their slender lead. Free shots enabled the Paolites to add on to their tally. Depiro were unable to react and Hibs could go on to a better lead. Depiro capitalised on some loose defence, and a couple of hoops till the end of the session brought them to a 10-15 adverse score.

In the second session an alert Hibs outfit increased their lead, but it was not long before Dorianne Galea started to obtain personal points and Depiro made up the leeway with a 12-0 run, to go 22-19 in front. Hibs tried to recover but Depiro’s personal marking stifled their opponents. Galea’s further points late in the quarter put the half time score at 25-21 for the champions.

After the break a Beverlee Zammit trey started Hibs off, and they momentarily jumped in the lead. Sarah Pace’s trey restored Depiro’s original lead, but the Paolites responded with a 7-0 run, going 33-30 ahead. Depiro’s free shots gave them back the lead. The lead exchanged hands again a couple of times, before Depiro made the necessary points in the last minute, to lead 41-37 after three sessions.

Hibs’ efforts in the final quarter were at first thwarted by a Sarah Pace trey, but some good pressing for Hibs, and a couple of hoops by Lucienne Bezzina, brought the teams on level points.

A little while later and Hibs were in front. Depiro’s efforts were frantic late in the match, but the Paolites held long possession, and were rewarded by free shots as Depiro were forced to foul. Hibs held fast and denied the champions any chance of recovery, to bag the honour.

After the match the MBA vice president, Ray Mercieca, presented the awards to both teams and the Cup to Lucienne Bezzina and her team mates, for Hibs’ success.

Depiro: 17 Dorianne Galea, 17 Sarah Pace

Hibernians: 21 Lucienne Bezzina, 15 Maria Desira

Referees: Stephen Micallef, Jean Paul Sammut

BOV K.O. – 1 Div.

Qormi Kia 50

SN Suns Bell Med 38

(15-9)(6-8)(18-11)(11-10)

Qormi surmounted a tough obstacle on their way to the semis, although it was their third win over Suns this season, in three different competitions. A good opening, and a 13-2 lead set Qormi on the right track but Suns reduced their deficit till the end of the session.

Qormi held on to their lead, which was whittled down a little, and at the interval it was a low 21-17 match.

After the break Qormi put in three hoops in a row, but Suns replied with their treys to keep in the game. Qormi relied on free throws late in the session as Suns grabbed another trey, but Qormi’s lead had increased, and after three sessions they were 39-28 in front.

In the last quarter play was even and Suns were not given the opportunity to creep nearer, as Qormi held long possession. Every time Suns obtained points they found a quick reply from Qormi. The time petered out for Suns and Qormi could progress on to the semi finals.

Qormi: 17 Keith Scicluna

Suns: 10 Roberto Formosa, 10 Mark Schembri

Refs: C. Farrugia, E. Mangani