After a lapse of nine years Luxol Bupa won the K.O. to become the third side to win an honour this season. It was also Luxol's first victory over Pembroke this season, after four defeats. Luxol are the most represented team in the K.O., having taken part in 19 finals, winning 13 of them, this one included.
Once more Luxol were without Edgar Caruana Montaldo and Beppe Micallef Trigona. After the opening points by Dirk Schembri for Luxol, Pembroke were always chasing in the first session. They found difficulty against the fast Luxol players, and every time they threatened to get near, the Violets always found ways and means to penetrate. Luxol's confident play earned them a good first-session lead.
The second quarter was even worse for Pembroke. They couldn't find any answer to Luxol's no-nonsense play, and the Violets displayed their superiority in no mean fashion. Their points were garnered by the trio, Dirk Schembri, his brother, Steve, and Silvio Cassar. A 10-0 run fully extended their lead, and Dirk Schembri's further points made it difficult for Pembroke to recover. At the interval Luxol enjoyed a favourable 49-24 score.
After the break Pembroke had to go allout, given their large deficit. They began the long climb back, being hampered only by a couple of free shots, in a 14-2 run. A Chris Sammut trey gave Luxol some life, but Pembroke had a quick reply with their treys, and they were back in the game again. Luxol bounced back with a Chris Sammut trey, and they were still 61-50 ahead after three sessions.
In the final quarter, despite Michael Naudi's points, it was Chris Sammut with another trey that held Luxol's lead intact. Luxol then lost three players on fouls, in succession, when 69-64 in front, after a Pembroke revival. A Robert Camilleri trey gave Luxol hope again, but coach, John Tabone, was sent off, for remarks passed. Luxol still held out, although Pembroke came to just 75-76 behind. Chris Sammut was playing a blinder for Luxol, and his gritty performance, coupled with the other players' determination, proved to be the winning factor. Pembroke just couldn't break them down, and had to bow out at the end.
After the match Luxol made merry as they were presented the BOV trophy by the firm's representative, together with the MBA president, Mag. Antonio Mizzi.
Pembroke: 39 Michael Naudi, 17 Adrian Micallef
Luxol: 31 Chris Sammut, 20 Dirk Schembri, 16 Steve Schembri
Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut