Willie Vassallo

 

Hibernians  49

Caffe Moak Luxol    34

(10-10, 11-9, 13-10, 15-5)

Hibs took a leaf out of their male counterparts book and also claimed a place in the final.

It was up for grabs till the interval with both sides staying close to each other. But after the break, the Paolites broke away and the champions had to chase for the rest of the encounter to no avail as Hibs never looked like losing their advantage.

The Paolites had new and not so new faces. Silvia Gambino played her first match this season and new entry Sam brincat after long years with Depiro is now a Paolite player. Martha Gatt was also included. Julia Scerri was missing as were Kaya Calleja Kim Portanier Mifsud and Britney Agius. Luxol were missing Ina Baena Medina and Vicky Mateos leaving them with a short bench.

It was the Paolites with the opening lead at 6-2. Luxol eked out an 8-2 run but more Rachel Kehoe points for Hibs took the match to a tie.

In the next period, Hibs forged in front but the champions regained their slight advantage. The lead changed hands twice more until Brincat sank a Hibs triple. Ashanti Plummer tied the score once more but Emma Micallef had the Paolites just ahead at the interval on a 21-19 score.

After the break, Hibs broke away decisively making up an early 10-0 run as Brincat netted two more Hibs triples. Luxol recovered with an 8-2 run and Christine Curmi hoops but the Paolites still held an advantage at 34-29.

In the last period, Hibs made sure from early on as they put in a good 11-1 run with more Kehoe points. They were away in front and the champions had no hope of reaching them despite some more points.

In the last stages of the encounter, Micallef nailed two quick triples for a better Hibs advantage.

Hibs: E. Micallef 8, E. Cassar 4, S. Gambino 2, S. Brincat 14, M. Gatt, J. Abela, N. Vella, K. Caruana 2, N. Farrugia, R. Kehoe 17, I. Agius 2,

Luxol: S. Pace 10, C. Borg Millo,  N. Vella, A. Plummer 10, K. Portelli, P. Ellul 3, C. Sollami, M. Darmanin 2, C. Curmi 9

Referees: G. Barbara, I. Simic, I. Marjanovic

 

 

 

Athleta ease their way into the semi final

Depiro  44

Gzira Athleta     60

(11-19, 9-10, 12-13, 12-18)

Athleta had lost an earlier occasion for a place in the final but they made sure this time. It was their second victory over Depiro this season.

Depiro were without Claire Ciantar for this match still recovering from her injury in her side's victory over Starlites.

Depiro had a bright enough start with a 7-2 score as Nicole Agius netted a trey. Athleta's next hoops were answered by Depiro but till the end of the session Athleta had Amelia Simmons pouring in her points in a solid 13-0 run which thrust them in front.

In the next session, Beverlee Zammit sank an Athleta trey for a better advantage. Depiro began to make their points once more but Athleta always found a reply holding on to their lead till the interval as they led 29-20.

After the break, Athleta were still intent on enhancing their advantage with a 7-2 start all from Simmons. Depiro managed an 8-2 run to draw nearer but Athleta were still in a double figure advantage at 42-32.

The last quarter had Athleta pushing further ahead with an 8-0 run. Maria Bonett was still leading the Depiro squad with her example but the difference in points was too tilted in Athleta's favour.

More Simmons and Leanne Duncan points had Athleta ending the match on a good note to prepare for their semi final match.

Depiro: A. Mifsud, T. Mifsud, L. Vella, C. Camilleri 3, M. Bonett 17, S. DeMartino 9, N. Agius 14, No. Agius, J. Xuereb, T. Maciej 1, J. Mallia

Athleta:  B. Zammit 3, M. Pollacco,  S. Pisani 2, L. Duncan 12, A. Simmons 33,

 D. Said Hollier 6, A. Borg 2, J. Schembri, S. Vella 2, E. Pace, C. Mifsud

Referees: Z. Dobrosavljevic, I. Simic, M. Rajczi