Pembroke 53

Luxol Bupa 49

(10-9)(15-14)(20-10)(8-16)

Chris Sammut was left out again from this match, a match that lost all its importance after Hamrun’s victory over Siggiewi, as these two sides will now cross swords again next Sunday. A lack lustre first session with Luxol bench players on court from the start of the game. The Violets wee in front for most of the opening period but Pembroke recovered enough to take the lead with three hoops by Michael Naudi.

In a better session than the previous one Pembroke could increase their lead at first and when Luxol came back again it was Michael Naudi’s fine shooting that kept Pembroke in a good lead. At the end of the session Reuben Dalli's treys made it a close game again, and at the interval it was a 25-23 score for Pembroke.

After the break Pembroke had a good start and an 8-2 run pushed them further ahead. Luxol shared the game for some time but Pembroke still held their lead. After treys by both sides it was Pembroke who made the better ending to the session, and after three sessions they enjoyed a 45-33 lead.

In the last session Luxol made an effort to make their way back, and a 9-0 run, ending with a Robert Azzopardi trey brought a 49-44 score. Pembroke’s reply was a couple of baskets to enhance their lead again, and it was enough in the remaining time to keep in front and finish at the top of the standings. They will still face Luxol in the second semi final next Sunday.

Pembroke:- M. Naudi 17, J Zammit, E Bezzina 5, J Galea, T Riolo, C Calleja, A Micallef 11, D Cuschieri 2, K Baldacchino 11, J Ransley, J Gatt 7.

Luxol:- M Mercieca 4, R Azzopardi 3, M Micallef, R Schembri, C Pulis, R Dalli 10, D Schembri 7, E Caruana Montaldo 2, S Cassar 10, S Schembri 13.

Referees:- Stephen Micallef, Carlo Farrugia.

Hamrun L.Go Mobile 81

Siggiewi Smina 69

(29-21)(18-18)(16-21)(18-9)

Hamrun recovered Jide Jetson but Albert Spiteri was still on the bench, whilst Omar Said is on a long-term injury. Siggiewi had Peter Shults also injured.

Siggiewi had a good start to the game, going 6-2 ahead but David Camilleri was in fine form and sank a couple of treys in a 10-0 run, as Liberty took command. Siggiewi had a reply but Hamrun were combining well and small, useful runs increased their lead. Siggiewi came back at the end of the tree sessions to reduce the deficit.

In the second session Siggiewi tried to keep in touch as Hamrun threatened to break away. David Camilleri was still sinking his treys but Louis Camilleri was outstanding for Siggiewi, with his fine play. Siggiewi closed the session with a 7-0 run, to go within reach again, on a 47-39 score, at the interval.

After the break the champions opened up with a brace of treys but Siggiewi had a good response and a strong 13-0 run made it a one-point game at 53-53. Free shots increased Liberty’s lead again but Siggiewi were still near enough, and Louis Camilleri’s trey made it closer still. After three sessions Hamrun had a small 63-60 lead.

In the final quarter Siggiewi held out for some time, breathing down Hamrun’s neck but then Alan Borg took over and put in three consecutive treys to put Liberty 78-64 in front. Siggiewi tried a reaction but Hamrun were a confident lot and they played out the remaining time, as they put Depiro in their sights, in the semi final game.

Hamrun:- S Pace 1, K Borg 5, D Camilleri 19, A Borg 23, A Portelli 14, J Jetson 10, A Bonnici 9, C Grixti.

Siggiewi:- R Mifsud 3, S Sammut 18, L Camilleri 24, J Doughty, A Sultana, M Barberi 6, H Agius, J.P. Bonnici 2, P Ferrante, S Saabain 11, A Huizer 5, E Xuereb.

Referees:- Emmanuel Mangani, Gordon Barbara.

Bowling - World Cup

Lorraine Casha makes it to second round

New star of the local bowling scene, Lorraine Casha, has made it through to the second stage of the 2005 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, currently taking place in Lubljana, Slovenia, reaching yet another goal in her still very young career in Tenpin Bowling.

Lorraine is competing among a formidable field of top female bowlers and National Champions from no less than 68 countries from all over the world, and yet has given an extremely impressive performance so far, displaying fantastic stamina over her 24 qualifying games and also an amazing ability to handle the pressures of top class competition.

She began well and enjoyed high games throughout her four 6-game sessions, hovering around the 190 average game mark, and was always close to the cut to the top 24.

The worry that fatigue may set in and cause her to slip down the field was always there and indeed Casha looked set to fall out of the reckoning during her final session.

Then with an incredible 238 final game, she secured herself a place in round two by qualifying in 24th place, with a great 4587 total (191 average).

Speaking to sports press after her qualification, Lorraine said: “I was really worried. It was all so close and there were so many players who could all have made it. I am just so happy to be in the next round, especially as this is my first Bowling World Cup.”

Word spread quickly among Malta’s bowling community who were able to follow her progress game by game on the internet, and she spent at least 30 minutes on her mobile phone as family and friends called to congratulate her.

Lorraine will now lay a further eight games in round two, hoping to make her way into the top eight for further qualification.

Kenneth Arpa was playing his final 6-game session in the 83-strong Men’s division.