The champions paraded new signing, Adison Bonnici from the start and Don Ross was in action once again, this time with Depiro

Liberty didn’t take any chances and pressed from the start, opening an 8-2 lead. A 10-0 run increased their lead further. Depiro rallied a bit at the end of the session but Hamrun were still leading 20-9.

The second session saw Depiro gaining more confidence and with constant Hamrun substitutions the Mtarfa side could organise themselves better. At the halfway stage it was a 33-19 match for Liberty.

The third session proved disastrous for Depiro.

They could not match their opponents, as Liberty had a bright patch and tore the Depiro defence to shreds. A combination of zone points and distance shooting put the champions on velvet with an impressive 20-0 run.

When Hamrun put their bench players on court, Depiro managed some treys but Liberty were way ahead at 53-25 after three sessions.

With such a wide margin, the last quarter was more open, both sides more intent on shooting than defending. Depiro profited to make the score more respectable but Hamrun were not embarassed, as they had already done a good day’s job.

Depiro: r. Vella 17, J. Vassallo, C. Bugeja, C. Agius 5, J. Vella, M. Ciantar, J. P. Azzopardi 2, E. Lupo 13, D. Ross 13, M. Mallia 4, . Agius.

Hamrun L: S. Pace, K. Borg, D. Camilleri 13, A. Spiteri 10, A. Borg 2, A. Portelli 4, O. Said 17, J. Jetson 4, A. Bonnici 17, N. Falzon 3, C. Grixti

Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Gordon Barbara

Siggiewi Smina 56

Pembroke 73

(11-19) (14-10) (20-14) (11-30)

Siggiewi had a new look with players made up mostly from the former Footwork team and also included Sasha Saakian. Pembroke lost Julian Naudi but now have Adrian Micallef and Maltese-Australian Kristian Baldacchino.

It was a fast match from the strat, as Pembroke ground out a small 5-2 lead.

Siggiewi’s efforts brought them to just a point behind, but Pembroke’s smooth play opened up their opponents’ defence and by the end of the first session it was a 19-11 game.

In the second session Pembroke went into a maximum 26-13 lead but Siggiewi’s grit brought them a 10-1 run and the match opened once more. By halftime Siggiewi were still close in a 29-25 game.

After the break Pembroke began to feel the heat of Siggiewi’s pressure.

A couple of treys tied the game and then Siggiewi went ahead. Pembroke twice managed to bring the score level but at the end of the session Peter Schoults made it 45-43.

Siggiewi’s thirst for points in the final quarter cost them dearly as Pembroke calmly exploited their sparse defence with a strong 13-0 run. Siggiewi were left with a hard task as Pembroke used Baldacchino’s prowess at the right time and Michael Naudi’s trey sealed the game, well before the end.

As Siggiewi threw in the towel, Pembroke strolled through.

Siggiewi: R. Mifsud 4, . Sammut 2, L. Camilleri 2, J. Doughty, H. Agius, M. Barberi 3, P. Shoults 20, J. P. Bonnici 3, P. Ferrante 4, S. Saakian 16, A. Huizer 2, E. Xuereb

Pembroke: M. Naudi 15, J Zammit, E. Bezzina 8, J. Galea, C. Sammut, C. Calleja, A. Micallef 12, K. Baldacchino 24, J. Ransley 6, J. Gatt 8

Referees: Bernard vassallo, Carlo Farrugia