The champions kept their stranglehold on the K.O., with their seventh consecutive win, and their eleventh in all , as they disposed of Luxol in a masterly way. Beverlee Zammit was the heroine, with her consistent treys, but it was also a collective effort.
Luxol couldn’t produce the same form which severely troubled the same Hibs and Depiro, in earlier encounters a few days ago.
Luxol had Alexia Jones and Lara Chetcuti missing for this final. After a time of study for both teams it was the Paolites’ duo, Beverlee Zammit and Lucienne Bezzina, who pushed Hibs in front, after an initial 6-7 reverse. Then Zammit’s treys began pouring in, and an 8-0 run, coupled with Bezzina’s contribution, gave Hibs a good first-session lead.
In the second quarter Hibs maintained their advantage, after they had extended their lead at the beginning of the session.
The Violets had a reply through Caroline Fenech, but they couldn’t get any nearer, and the champions could keep their opponents at a distance till the interval, leading on a 34-24 score.
After the break the Paolites opened with personal points by Beverlee Zammit, including another trey.
Luxol tried to turn the game around, with their pressing, cutting down to a 33-43 score, but Hibs overcame the difficult moments, and took the match in hand again.
Zammit’s trey and Bezzina’s free throws helped the champions to a comfortable 56-42 lead after three sessions.
In the final quarter Hibs made doubly sure, with an opening 9-1 run, to float completely clear of their adversaries. Luxol only offered a half hearted reaction, and Hibs kept on increasing their lead.
They could then introduce their bench players, to participate in their win, their third honour this season, after the league championship and the Super cup.
After the match Hibs were presented with the Cup by Mr. Charles Borg from the CEO’s office at Bank of Valletta
Luxol: 12 Caroline Fenech
Hibs: 30 Beverlee Zammit, 20 Lucienne Bezzina, 10 Doreen Parnis
Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro