Depiro Still 50

Hibs Go Mobile 59

(13-7)(16-19)(13-17)(8-16)

Depiro’s ‘Sicilian’ players were back but it wasn’t enough for them, as Hibs managed to beat them again, as they did in the league. It was a great game, played before a large crowd as Hibs overcame deficits in three sessions, to claim a place in the final, as Depiro’s hoodoo in the K.O. goes on.

A 10-0 run helped Depiro to a first session lead, but Lucienne Bezzina sprang into life in the second session, and Hibs were back, although they were still in arrears at the half way stage, on a 26-29 deficit.

The third session, after the break, was still undecisive. Depiro stretched their lead to a 36-29 score but the Paolities’ free shots turned the result round. It was only a slight lead, but Hibs kept it till the end of the session: score at 43-42.

The final quarter saw Depiro exhibit inaccuracy in their shooting, as Hibs were playing with more purpose. A 10-0 run settled matters, as Depiro never looked likely to bridge such a gap, and once more missed out in the cup.

Depiro: 24 Dorianne Galea, 12 Josephine Grima

Hibs: 26 Lucienne Bezzina, 12 Doreen Parnis.

Referees: Carlo Farrugia, Steve Gouder.

Naxxar Danone 49

Luxol Vodafone 45

(10-6)(19-18)(6-13)(14-8)

This second semi-final went right down to the final seconds as Naxxar were defending a higher lead. They managed to do this and now meet Hibs in the final.

A slow start by both teams saw Naxxar take a first session advantage, with points in the latter stages. In the second quarter an 11-0 run pushed Danone clear of Luxol, but the Violets recovered well and treys by Psaila Savona, and a closing 9-2 run enabled them to reduce their deficit. At the interval it was a 29-24 match.

After the break, Luxol continued on their positive run, and a further 11-2 break pushed them into the lead. Naxxar fared better at the end of the third session, but Luxol were still 37-35 in front at the start of their last quarter.

Psaila Savona sank two more treys for Luxol, keeping them in front, but Irene Farrugia was incisive enough to push her side ahead, and Luxol’s frantic efforts at the end were to no avail, as they had already lost three of their players on fouls.

Naxxar just made it till the end, to meet Hibs in the final.

Naxxar: 23 Irene Farrugia, 10 Annie Jetcheva

Luxol: 16 Francesca Psaila Savona, 10 Justine Mangion

Referees: Alf. Carbonaro, Jennifer Mangani.