This MBA Shield win meant a lot to the Depiro team, as they had suffered at Hibs’ hands earlier on in the season. They also made amends for their elimination by the same Hibs, in the KO, last week.

For Depiro it was their third success in five Shield finals, while Hibs won six times of 12 finals.

The champions made the first two hoops, and Depiro had to chase them for most of the time, but Greta Zarb continued with her treys, from her last game. Depiro not only tied the game, but went in front through Sarah Pace’s free shots, to lead after the first session.

In the second quarter it was the Paolites who had to do the chasing, getting near all the time.

Sarah Pace’s trey gave Depiro some breathing space, as Hibs players committed turnovers. By the interval Depiro had opened up a 24-18 low-score lead, as their speed was unsettling their opponents.

After the break the champions tried to make up the deficit, but in their haste they were hit by fast Depiro breaks, and an 8-0 run pushed the Mtarfa side into a 34-21 maximum advantage.

Hibs took time, but finally managed to stitch together points in a 9-0 run, mainly through free throws. After three sessions it was a closer 34-30 match.

In the final quarter the Paolites kept up their comeback, and an opening 10-2 run brought a 40-36 lead, with Depiro being foul hit.

Depiro had to recover, but Hibs held out, to keep a 45-39 advantage with less than three minutes to go. Depiro stuck it out and a strong 10-0 run, with a second Sarah Pace trey, gave them the lead right at the end.

Hibs tried to save the game, and Beverlee Zammit’s hoop opened possibilities, but Depiro grimly held possession to win their first seasonal honour.

Depiro: 12 Sarah Pace

Hibs: 18 Alexis Darmanin

Refs: Bernard Vassallo, Stephen Micallef