Luxol 52

Alyssa Ashley Loyola 41

(10-4, 19-8, 12-15, 11-14)

The opening final went Luxol’s way as they laid claim on the match late in the first period of play.

Their margin of advantage was secure till the last session but Loyola made a reaction which kindled hopes, but the champions, despite some heavy pressure against them, swung the ball around and stayed at a safe distance to draw first blood and begin the first step to keep the winning trophy in their custody.

Both sides were at full strength but Justine Mangion took no part in the match for Loyola.

The second final is to played tomorrow.

Luxol: 10 S. Pace, 2 M. Sciortino,  C. Medina, 3 B. Naudi, J. Busuttil Gaerty, 9 G. Zarb, P. Ellul, 22 R. Murphy, 2 D. Muscat,  A. Paul, 4 B. Zammit

Loyola: 5 E. Moore, 2 C. Grima,  J. Doughty,   D. Hollier,  K. Tonna, 4 A. Bonanno, J. Mangion, 6 A. Sciberras,  F. Camilleri, 12 SJ Barbara, 12 D. Johnson

Referees: B. Vassallo, A. Carbonaro, C. Terribile

Placing Pool 1/2 Men’s Final 2

Tata Motors Loyola 84

Bupa Luxol 81

(after overtime)

(16-15, 23-12, 19-22, 8-17) (18-15)

Loyola had to wait and go into overtime before making sure of winning this Pool after a spirited comeback from Luxol from a heavy deficit in the third session.

Loyola were even behind late in the match but they saved it in normal time. It was still tight in extra time but Loyola, who had gone in front, stayed there till the end despite Luxol’s triples and pressure.

Loyola fielded their full latest squad with Joshua Anastasi having a curtailed season. Luxol were again with Dylan Falzon but were missing Edgar Caruana Montaldo.

Loyola: 9 S. Pace, B. Zammit, 10 D. Camilleri,  M. Cilia, 4 S. Borg, L. Azzopardi,  S. Vella, 4 A. Axiaq, 15 J Azzopardi, 2 J. Ransley, 40 R. Harris 

Luxol: 3 CJ Cordina, 14 M. Mercieca, D. Falzon,  A. Micallef Trigona, 12 L. Ross, 6 A. Costa, 10 N. Vasovic, 17 T. Paris,  M. Attard Montalto, 19 JP Bonnici, S. Cappello

Referees: E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro, S. Gouder