Playing in front of a very large crowd, Siggiewi had the better of Sliema to win this honour after a period of four years, and for the fourth time in their history. Siggiewi led soon after the start, and Sliema had to trail throughout the whole match, chasing after the result. It was a physical game, and tempers occasionally were high, but Siggiewi were in control, although sorely pressed by the Wanderers.
Both sides were at full strength for this match. An explosive start for Sliema - donning their new, blue outfit - with three treys from different players, was followed by a good reply from Siggiewi, including a Peter Shoults trey, which gave them a temporary lead.
A tight match then ensued, with both sides only able to garner points from the free throw line. Siggiewi recouped with a 7-0 run in the late stages, including a Louis Camilleri trey. Michael Naudi converted two free shots for Sliema in the last seconds.
In the second quarter Siggiewi surprised the Blues with a full press, stealing balls and picking up another 13-2 run, as David Camilleri was hot with his treys. Sliema settled down to grab a couple of hoops, but Addison Bonnici was strong under the boards to restore Siggiewi's lead, at 38-23.
Duncan Cuschieri came up for Sliema with his personal points, including a trey, and a little later Etienne Bezzina sank another trey. Siggiewi's advanatge was cut down, but they were still 41-32 in front at the interval.
After the break Siggiewi once more relied on David Camilleri, and his trey extended their lead. Peter Shoults followed soon after, as Siggiewi went 48-35 in front.
Sliema had to buck up, but Cuschieri's trey had a reply from Shoults again. Siggiewi were holding on to their double figure lead. Sliema put in a strong effort, but Siggiewi, with Albert Spiteri on the bench, held out. After three sessions they were leading 59-48.
In the final quarter, with most of Siggiewi's players on four fouls, they grabbed breathing space with two quick treys, by Shoults and Camilleri.
Sliema went all out, but Siggiewi were not to be denied, and they played out time. Sliema were frantic, and coach Joe Galea was ejected for protests. A little later and it was Siggiewi's Abraham Portelli who was sent off. There was little time for Sliema to save the day, and Siggiewi's players could control till the end, to emerge victorious.
After the match Enemalta's chairman, Alex Tranter, presented the honours, as Siggiewi's numerous supporters celebrated the occasion.
SIGGIEWI: 9 A. Spiteri, 12 L. Camilleri, 24 D. Camilleri, J. Doughty, 2 A. Portelli, M. Barberi, 13 P. Shoults, 1 JP Bonnici, 15 A. Bonnici, A. Huizer, E. Xuereb
SLIEMA: 22 M. Naudi, J. Zammit, C. Calleja, 9 E. Bezzina, T. Riolo, 7 O. Said, 2 A. Micallef, 9 D. Cuschieri, 11 K. Baldacchino, 4 S. Cassar, J. Gatt
REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Jean Paul Sammut