The team with the most appearances in this competition, Hibernians, won it for the seventh time in 13 finals. They had the measure of their opponents throughout the game, but there were instances when Depiro looked as if they could fluster the champions. All in all, Depiro gave Hibs a good run for their money, taking into consideration the side that they had to field.
Hibs were still missing Alexis Darmanin, but Depiro were more hard hit, after Joselle Cardona's injury a few days ago. They already had Sarah Pace and Rhian Spiteri sidelined, and only Rachel Camilleri recovered from her recent injury.
Lucienne Bezzina began the match with a trey for the Paolites, as they raced into a 7-2 lead. Depiro tried to contain their opponents, but the champions added on to their advantage. A couple of Great Zarb free shots for Depiro made it 6-13, as Hibs, although in front were still wary of their opponenets.
In the second quarterHibs once more opened with a trey, this time by Doreen Parnis, and they ran up a 9-2 break before Depiro could reorganise. Roseann Falzon's entry on court, and Great Zarb, obtained points, but they were hampered by a Beverlee Zammit trey, as the Paolites were leading 25-12. Depiro's further efforts produced no results, and Hibs could keep control till the end of the session, on a 29-15 score.
After the break Hibs kept their lead for some time, but Greta Zarb was causing enough trouble to the Paolites' rearguard, despite being 22-37 down. Zarb's trey brought Depiro nearer, but Hibs, despite wasting a number of free shots, were still on a double figure lead, until the last few seconds, when a falzon hoop made the score 50-31, after three sessions.
Hibs, once more, opened the final quarter with a trey, as Beverlee Zammit's effort found her mark. This spurred them on, and they went to lead 49-33. Depiro's reaction only reduced a small number of points, as Hibs sought to calm the game down. Depiro put in their last effort, abd Rachel camilleri's points, including a trey gave them a glimmer of hope. Time was against them, as the champios could play out time, to emerge winners, and collect their second honour of the season, when the MBA president, Mag. Antonio Mizzi, presented them with the Shield after the match.
Hibs: 2 C. Fenech, 11 B. Zammit, F. Bianco, 15 L. Bezzina, F. Tabone, 9 M. Desira, 9 D. Parnis, 6 M. Cutajar
Depiro: 11 R. Falzon, C. Riolo, 18 G. Zarb, 6 R. Camilleri, M. Micallef, C. Hawkins, 3 A. Sciberras, E. Vella, 2 A. Muscat
Referees: Bernard Vassallo, Gordon Barbara