Footwork 54
Pembroke Athleta 66
(18-16)(8-13)(17-13)(11-24)
Pembroke kept up their winning streak, but had to struggle hard, finding in Footwork a worthy opponent. It was only in the final stages that Pembroke could break clear for their sixth league win.
Pembroke were still without coach Joe Galea abroad, but recalled Trevor Degiorgio back from Mosta and JP Azzopardi went back with them, after his dispute with Depiro. Also abroad was ring pin Michael Naudi. Footwork also had their absentees, notably Addison Bonnici and Eman Xuereb.
Pembroke put in two quick hoops but suffered Footwork’s pressure and a 9-0 run changed the score. Pembroke recovered with an Etienne bezzina try, but Michael Barberi on the other end made his second try and kept their lead till the end of the session on an 18-16 score.
The match was quiter in the second session as Pembroke recovered with an 8-2 run, with Don Ross’ entry on court. Footwork kept in touch but were always in arrears after trying twice in the early stages of the session. Pembroke kept their noses in front and at the interval it was a 29-26 score.
After the break Don Ross put in a try to extend Pembroke’s lead, but Footwork responded strongly with a 9-0 run for a 37-32 lead. Pembroke put in Matthew Zammit despite foul trouble. A JP Azzoparditry gave Pembroke the lead but right on the stroke of the buzzer for the end of the third session Chris Sammut again put Footwork in front with a 43-42 score.
In the final session Pembroke Duncan Cuschieri’s try started off Pembroke’s good streaks and a 10-0 run pushed them into a useful lead. Chris Sammut gave Footwork fresh hope with his personal points and it became a 2-point game again. Don Ross stepped in to extend Pembroke’s lead again, and despite Footwork’s efforts, Matthew Zammit sealed the issue with a final try.
Footwork : L. Camilleri 12, S. Sammut 5, I. Mercieca 4, C. Sammut 18, M. Barberi 6, JP. Bonnici, A. Huizer 9.
Pembroke : J. Naudi 5, M. Zammit 21, E. Bezzina 5, T. Degiorgio, JP. Azzopardi 5, D. Cuschieri 5, M. Pisani, J. Ransley, D. Ross 25.
Referees : Bernard Vassallo and Jean Paul Sammut