The champions, with Joey Grima now at Priolo, Rachel Camilleri at Luxol and Raquel Tryon abroad, still had no difficulty in sub diving a lethargic Naxxar side, who greatly missed Irene Farrugia, who seems to have called it a day. Depiro imposed their style of play from the start, and a 14-0 run gave them the necessary confidence to go clear of their opponents. Naxxar found it difficult to obtain points as Depiro kept increasing their lead till the halftime break. Score at 37-10.

The champions seemed to keep up the pressure in the third session, with Dorianne Galea points, but Naxxar settled down at last, and an 8-2 run brought them more into the picture, although still way behind Depiro. In the last quarter play was more open, but Depiro kept the upper hand, to register a handsome victory over a side who troubled them somewhat last season.

Naxxar: 15 Claire Hawkins, 11 Sandra Schembri Wismayer.

Depiro: 19 Dorianne Galea, 19 Rosanne Falzon, 13 Greta Zarb.

Referees: Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro.

Loyola Xuereb Installations 57

Kerygma 52

(11-13)(13-9)(9-20)(24-12)

These were two revitalised sides from last season. The new Loyola team were practically last year’s Qormi unit and Kerygma obtained three elements from the Hibs’ side.

This was the closest game till now and the handsome crowd applauded both teams at the end. Despite a good Loyola start it was Kerygma leading by a hoop after the first session. Loyola didn’t take long to recuperate. Kerygma had a good mid-session to draw level but Loyola forged ahead once more and at the half time buzzer, were leading 24-20.

After the break Loyola still held their lead for some tie, but Kerygma had a good patch, and a 9-0 run pushed them ahead, and were in front, 40-33, after three sessions.

The last quarter found Loyola striving hard to get back in front again. Carina Gauci went on fire and a spate of free shots put them in front. Kerygma recovered briefly but Loyola were on song and they made the issue safe at the end as Kerygma had no reply.

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Jennifer Mangani

Hibs Medsea 45

Luxol 49

(18-9)(13-12)(7-15)(7-13)

The first big guns meeting went Luxol’s way as the violets punished the Paolites’ feeble efforts in the last two sessions of the game. Hibs’ skipper, Lucienne Bezzina was on the bench, but only as a spectator, recuperating from her injury. Luxol had Caroline Fenech returning from her loan and new signing, Rachel Camilleri, from Depiro, made an instant impact.

Hibs had the better start going 16-6 ahead, and increased their lead at the start of the second quarter. Luxol had a reply late in the session, to reduce the deficit, although Hibs were still leading 31-21 at the interval, but everything changed after the break.

As the Paolities were foul hit and found difficulty in obtaining points, Luxol gained confidence and went to just a basket down, 36-38 after three sessions. In the final quarter Hibs were unable to improve their game, losing Darmanin and Vella on fouls. A 9-0 run gave Luxol enough space and Hibs’ late points were too late to save the game.

Hibs: 13 Beverlee Zammit, 11 Nadia Mifsud.

Luxol: 17 Rachel Camilleri, 10 Justin Mangion.

Referees: Alfred Carbonaro, Clive Terribile