Depiro Still 58

Hibs Medsea 60

(13-16)(10-18)(17-10)(18-16)

(Agg. 114-124)

Depiro’s four year reign in the Louis Borg Cup was halted by Hibs, as they also won their second encounter, to regain the Cup for the second time, since 2001. The Paolites’ lead after the first match played a leading part, as Depiro could never quite make up that deficit throughout the game, and Hibs always had something to fall back on, when Depiro staged their rallies.

Depiro surprised the champions at first, with their close pressing, as they managed to take an 8-2 lead early in the game. Hibs settled down and they went on to tie the score twice, before Depiro struck with their free throws, for another small lead. It was the Paolites who made the session’s last points, to forge in front for the first time.

In the second quarter Hibs improved on their lead, as Depiro were making errors in attack. A 7-2 run, thanks also to a Beverlee Zammit trey, made it a 23-15 match.

Depiro tried to recover but the champions were in control, although their foul situation was escalating. Depiro were unable to make any headway, and Hibs, through fast breaks and crisp shooting, went into a 34-23 half time lead, for a comforting score.

After the break, Depiro started off again on a strong note, but the score was still against them. The champions reacted with a couple of hoops and then they monitored the game and denied access to their opponents, as they enjoyed a 41-30 lead.

However, till the end of the quarter, Depiro started to click, and they punished Hibs with a 10-0 run. After three sessions it was a closer 44-40 score.

In the final quarter Hibs sought to defuse Depiro’s hasty play, and the points were scarce till midway through the session, although Depiro managed a Greta Zarb trey.

The champions started losing players on fouls, but time was pressing on Depiro. A Dorianne Galea trey opened up possibilities, but the Paolites kept their lead till the end to make a double final win, and collect their fourth seasonal honour.

After the match, the president Emeritus, Louis Borg, presented medals and trophies to both teams, as Hibs celebrated a very successful season.

Depiro: 16 Sarah Pace, 14 Joselle Cardona, 12 Dorianne Galea

Hibs: 15 Lucienne Bezzina, 11 Beverlee Zammit

Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Jean Paul Sammut, Gordon Barbara