Luxol Vodafone 44

Depiro Still 48

(4-17) (9-6) (21-14) (10-11)

Once more a game between these two sides went right down to the final buzzer, although there was still a game to go between them.

Without Josephine Grima and Joselle Cardona, Depiro had to struggle before finally getting the verdict in a low score.

Depiro dominated the first session, as they sprang clear of their opponents. From then on it was Luxol who started the long haul back, as Depiro started to fade away. By the half time buzzer it was still a low 23-13 score.

After the break Luxol quickly made up the leeway but Depiro had a reply as they broke clear again, only to be waylaid by the Violets, as they tied the game.

Edel Bonello, however, managed to give Depiro a small 37-34 lead before the start of the last quarter. Luxol did not let off and their persistence earned them a 42-38 lead only for Dorianne Galea to sink three hoops.

Once more Luxol tied the match but Depiro managed another brace of baskets at the end to claim victory.

Luxol: 17 Kirsten Micallef

Depiro: 26 Dorianne Galea

Referees: Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro

Kerygma 60

Hibs Go Mobile 112

(23-27) (7-28) (15-33) (15-24)

The Paolites produced another high-scoring game, and their fourth seasonal victory over Kerygma.

Playing without indisposed Doreen Parnis, Hibs had to withstand Kerygma's forays in the first session, although always in the lead. Kerygma were never far behind, but in the second quarter Hibs started to push away.

Personal points by Alexis Darmanin started off a long 18-2 run and by the interval the score had escalated to 55-30 in Hibs' favour.

After the break the Paolites kept on pressing, and their treys started going in.

Kerygma were powerless to stop the tide, falling further behind. They did manage a reaction at the end of the session, but Hibs were way ahead at 88-45 after three sessions.

Play fell away a bit at the start of the last quarter, as Hibs failed their shots, but their century was reached with more than four minutes to spare and they strolled on to an emphatic win, and absolutely no worries for the return match.

Kerygma: 33 Josette Calleja, 18 Renette Debono

Hibs: 33 Lucienne Bezzina, 25 Alexis Darmanin, 19 Nadia Mifsud

Referees: Carlo Farrugia, Clive Terribile