Reports: Willie Vassallo

 

Photo: Domenic Aquilina

 

 

Starlites claim a third straight victory

Gzira Athleta 47

Starlites GIG 65        

(13-21, 12-12, 10-18, 12-14)

The latest victims to Starlites' league forays were Athleta who fell to their second defeat in three matches. Starlites are out in front on three straight victories.

The two sides were facing each other for the first time this season. Athleta were in front more than once at first but when they fell behind they had to chase their opponents for the remainder of the encounter.

Athleta were still without Beverlee Zammit back from abroad but unwell and skipper Leanne Duncan made her warm up with her team mates but stayed on the bench. Starlites had Danielle Agius and Emma Magrin missing with Kim Pirotta and Diane Revol in the team.

Antoinette Borg made an early trey for Athleta but so did Kirsty Galea for Starlites. Athleta led on three occasions but then Starlites made up a long 13-0 run as Jean Doughty sank her triple. Demise Said Hollier also made an Athleta trey but Starlites were still in front.

In the second period, Athleta reduced their deficit with Starlites coming up with a 10-2 run as Patricia Arguello netted a brace of triples. Athleta's reply was adequate as Said Hollier made two more triples in an 8-2 run till the interval. Starlites were then leading on a 33-24 score.

After the break, Borg made more hoops for Athleta but when Starlites put in a long 13-0 run they went way out in front.

Sharon Vella made an Athleta three point play but Starlites were enjoying a 51 35 advantage at that time.

In the last quarter, Julia Schembri netted an Athleta trey with Galea reciprocating for Starlites at the other end.

The play became balanced but Starlites were still happy with their solid advantage which they kept right till the end for a comfortable victory.

Athleta: S. Pisani, L. Duncan, A. Simmons 11, D. Said Hollier 14, A. Borg 12,  J. Schembri 5, S. Vella 5, E. Pace, C. Mifsud  

Starlites: K. Pirotta, K. Galea 18, J. Doughty 3, S. Farrugia 8, H. Acreman 8, D. Revol, J. Micallef, P. Arguello 16, M. Cutajar 6, S. Davis 4, A. Lupo 2  

Referees: B. Vassallo, M. Rajczi, K. Dworniczak

 

 

 

Late points ensure a Hibs victory

Depiro 40

Hibernians     45         

(7-20, 13-3, 11-10, 9-12)

Hibs were set for a runaway victory after the opening session but Depiro returned, winning the next two sessions and they only succumbed in the last stages of the encounter after going on level terms.

Martina Scicluna returned to the Depiro side but remained on the bench. Hibs made use of seven players from a full bench for this match.

Hibs were off to a solid start going on an 11-0 advantage as Sam Brincat netted a triple and Rachel Kehoe made her hoops.

Steffi DeMartino replied twice for Depiro but the Paolites were going quite well at this stage making up a 9-3 run till the end of the period as Brincat sank another trey and her side sped well in front.

In the second period, the page turned as Depiro began with a Tina Mifsud triple going on to a 10-2 run. Hibs found difficulty in obtaining points and Mifsud sank a very late second triple with Depiro going quite close on a 20-23 score at the interval.

After the break, the Paolites managed to hold on to their small lead as Alexis Lloyd made a brace of hoops for Depiro. The latter side then jumped in front with a Claire Ciantar hoop but Hibs twice went ahead in the little time remaining for a slight 33-31 advantage.

In the last period, Depiro twice tied the score and a DeMartino trey had the teams on a par yet again. Julia Scerri points took the Paolites on another lead but Depiro had the teams level once more.

Late points from Sophie Abela and Silvia Gambino had Hibs on their second win in three league matches as Depiro ended their first round of play with an even score of two wins and two defeats.

Depiro: M. Scicluna, T. Mifsud 6, C. Camilleri, M. Bonett 1, S. DeMartino 17, N. Agius, No. Agius, J. Xuereb, A. Lloyd 8, C. Ciantar 8  

 Hibs: E. Micallef, E. Cassar 6, S. Gambino 7, S. Brincat 12, I. Agius, J. Abela, S. Abela 4, K. Caruana, N. Farrugia, R. Kehoe 11,  K. Calleja,  J. Scerri 5

Referees:  E. Mangani, S. Micallef, Z. Dobrosavljevic