The champions started off in fine form, in an extremely entertaining game, in which Mellieha provided stiff opposition, after their win over Floriana.

For Mosta it was their opening match.

Treys on both sides started off the opening session as Mosta controlled their opponents, for an opening lead. Mosta’s treys increased in the second quarter but Mellieha recovered near the end of the session, to cut down their deficit. However, Mosta were still leading 45-33 at the interval.

After the break Mosta were having a tough time as Mellieha staged a good comeback, to go to within five points, at 48-53 but Mosta settled down to regain their original lead, and after three sessions it was a high 67-54 game.

The last quarter was somewhat slower as both sides began to feel the pace of a fast game. Mosta pulled a bit further away but Mellieha came up with their treys for a high scoring game which augured well for both sides.

Mellieha: 24 Robert Loporto, 16 Lawrence Deguara, 15 Joshua Aquilina.

Mosta: 27 Ray Muscat, 12 Trevor Degiorgio, 12 Steve Gouder.

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Carlo Farrugia.

Loyola X.I. 42

SN Suns JC 49

(5-10)(16-13)(9-10)(12-16)

Suns, last season’s league finalists, had quite a scare against Loyola. Suns are now strengthened by two ex-Floriana acquisitions, Roberto Formosa and Michael Curmi, but, although they had a quiet, but good start, they saw Loyola creeping nearer as time went by.

Suns led 10-1 in the first quarter, but Loyola gained confidence and by the half time buzzer they had gone to within a basket, at 21-23 down.

After the break, both sides had a lean time, but Suns hung on to their lead, although Loyola tied the game at one time.

The final session saw Suns go 41-33 ahead but Jean Falzon’s treys made it a one-point game. Just when Loyola seemed to have made it, Suns came up with a late burst and made sure in the final minute. This was Loyola’s second defeat and Suns’ opener in this competition.

Loyola: 21 Jean Falzon, 16 Gary Micallef.

Suns: 10 Mark Schembri, 10 Reno Camilleri

Peugeot women’s league

Depiro dominate

Depiro 71

Loyola Xuereb Ins. 36

(17-6)(23-8)(12-14)(19-8)

The champions chalked up their second, easy league win and Loyola could gauge the difference between their first-game victims, Kerygma, and Depiro.

Depiro took some time to settle down, but then an 11-0 closing run in the first session gave them a good enough lead. Their second session dominance was even more pronounced and they went on to lead 40-14 at the interval.

Loyola were on a par in the third quarter, but Depiro kept piling on the points.

Depiro: 16 Dorianne Galea, 15 Joselle Cardona, 12 Sarah Pace.

Loyola: 9 Kathleen Gouder.

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Jennifer Mangani