A look at the final score gives the impression of a close encounter but the result flatters Depiro who were given a going over by the Violets. It was only in the last stages that Depiro, or better still Sarah Pace, took the remaining time in hand and poured in point after point including four triples to give her a score which her team didn’t really deserve. Luxol were impressive as they kept up their unbeaten run and at times indulged in some exquisite play which carved open the opposing defence. It was a performance which bodes ill for the other teams.

Depiro now has Kaila Agius back from Canada for the rest of the season. Luxol still had Francesca Psaila Savona missing but Mandi Sciortino was given a cameo role in the closing stages of the match in preparation of a full entry into the fray.

Antoinette Borg put in the first points for Depiro but in between Steffi De Martino began to sink in her hoops as the Violets made a 9-0 run along with Diana Muscat points. Depiro came back with free throws mainly from Borg but Muscat was also on hand to net a brace of hoops helping her side to hold on to their lead.

In the second session Luxol were still keeping tabs on their adversaries and they gradually began to expand their advantage with their only obstacle being Kaila Agius with her close range hoops. The Violets’ points then dried up and Depiro put in a 7-0 run to crawl closer only for Emma Moore to snatch a last second basket for Luxol as her side led 29-22 at the interval.

After the break, Luxol hit Depiro twice, the first time with a Moore triple. Although Agius replied with a Depiro trey, Becky Naudi was still putting in her points including a triple.

Depiro had another reply from a Pace trey but the Violets were rampant and they rattled in a solid 15-2 run with De Martino and Moore hoops. Before the end of the quarter Justine Busuttil Gaerty sank a trey for Depiro who however were still 37-55 in arrears.

In the last period Luxol were foul hit but managed to keep control despite some Depiro pressure. Agius and Pace hoops for Mtarfa had Luxol matching them in points holding on to their advantage at a steady 66-45.

Pace then went on fire with a personal 15-0 run and no less than four triples as a late scramble gave Depiro a more than respectable final score when Luxol lost several ball possessions as the remaining time wound down.

Depiro: 24 S. Pace, G. Zarb, J. Xuereb, A. Mifsud, 4 K. Busuttil, C. Tanti, 3 J. Busuttil Gaerty, 9 A. Borg, C. Sammut, 1 E. Vella, S. Micallef, 19 K. Agius

Luxol: 17 E. Moore, M. Sciortino, K. Portelli, 12 B. Naudi, 24 S. De Martino, P. Ellul, 11 D. Muscat, L. Chetcuti, M. De Martino, 2 B. Zammit.

Referees: Alfred Carbonaro, Clive Terribile.



Low score victory as Loyola claim double



Allcare Insurance Loyola 37

Starlites Sports Experience 32

(9-4)(4-17)(14-3)(10-8)



This was Loyola’s opening league encounter but Starlites were suffering their second league defeat and also their second loss to Loyola having been beaten in the Shield.

Starlites had their moments but the second session was not enough and they faded after the interval allowing Loyola to compose themselves get back in the match and claim victory.

Loyola introduced two other youngsters Christy Tonna ex-Hibs and Simone Ellul from the lower ranks but Fiona Schembri and Kathleen Gouder were missing. Starlites presented their standard formation.

Loyola were the more enterprising team at the start making an opening 7-2 run which took some time as Ellul made an impact from the beginning.

Starlites made their second hoop but Abigail Sciberras added on her personal score with free shots and a better lead.

The tables were turned in the second quarter when Loyola put in a further Said Hollier hoop but then had to bear the brunt of a revitalised Starlites side who had Marielou Cutajar and Samantha Tabone producing a strong and long 17-0 run as their side grabbed a double figure advantage. Sammy Jo Barbara reduced the deficit for Loyola who were still 13-21 behind at the interval.

After the break there was another shift of play and Starlites were put under pressure when Loyola regained their touch. A 10-0 run with Adalia Bonanno prominent under the board restored Loyola’s lead.

Starlites finally reacted and twice went to just a point down but Loyola held on to their advantage on a low 27-24 score. In the final session Loyola’s first points had Starlites coming back to the original three points deficit but Loyola’s persistence brought them a better advantage.

Starlites did not have enough time left for a recovery and Loyola held on to make a good start to their league campaign.

Loyola: P. Montanaro, 2 C. Tonna, 4 J. Doughty, 13 D. Said Hollier, R. Spiteri, 4 A. Bonanno, D. Mifsud, 6 A. Sciberras, F. Camilleri, 4 SJ Barbara, 4 S. Ellul

Starlites: A. Farrugia, 1 C. Riolo, 2 A. Grixti, 11 S. Tabone, 7 L. Pisani, 4 C. Spiteri, N. Said, T. Sciortino, M. Micallef, D. Falzon, C. Scicluna, 7 M. Cutajar

Referees: Clive Terribile, Jennifer Mangani.



St Andrews grab second win over Athleta



Honey Athleta 35

St Andrews 41

(5-6)(12-12)(11-2)(7-21)



St Andrews managed a double over Athleta. Their first win was in overtime but this time the late stages of the game proved enough as the Saints’ determined play won the day.

Athleta led for most of the match but when it mattered in the final period the Saints came back confidently and Athleta had no reply in the closing minutes and had to concede defeat. It must be noted that the Saints’ full score was obtained by three players only.

Athleta included young Martina Azzopardi in lieu of Naomi Barry. The Saints had Josette Calleja back after her injury and included Ilona Galea but Agnetha Agius, Nathalie Scicluna and Debbie Schranz were all missing.

Both sides experienced difficulty in obtaining points at the start. Athleta were in the lead on three occasions with a couple of Leanne Sciberras hoops but St Andrews who had already overturned the score once did so again late in the session as Josette Calleja gave them an advantage.

In the second period Athleta went in front and although St Andrews tied the score it was again Athleta ahead with a brace of Francesca Farrugia hoops. The Saints were just behind through Calleja and Justine Mangion and then grabbed a halftime advantage on an 18-17 score.

After the break the Saints were shut out for most of the session and Athleta, who did not make so many points, could go in front once more with Sciberras and Martina Azzopardi points.

With the Saints unable to reply, Athleta went on to take a 28-20 advantage.

In the final quarter Athleta held their lead for some time but a Calleja triple brought fresh hopes to the Saints as they went close yet again with Mangion free throws. De Martino and Calleja hoops completed the overtake and a final 9-0 run had St Andrews clinching victory.

Athleta: 2 L. Pace, 3 M. Azzopardi, 2 D. Jager, 19 L. Sciberras, M. Azzopardi Duca, G. Muscat, 5 D. McKeon, 4 F. Farrugia, R. Sciberras, L. Calleja

St Andrews: N. Cassar, 15 J. Calleja, I. Galea, E. Grech, 13 J. Mangion, E. Cutajar, 13 M. De Martino, T. Pace Decesare.

Referees: Jean Paul Sammut, Jennifer Mangani.