After their unexpected defeat by Kerygma, Depiro were given another torrid time by the Sliema outfit, who very nearly pulled off another, and greater, surprise win.

Depiro are passing through a difficult phase, although it could be that all they need are a couple of good wins, to build up their confidence again, for the remainder of the season.

Depiro still had missing players, Roseann Falzon, Sarah Pace, Claire Hawkins and Rhian Spiteri. For Sliema their players donned the new, attractive outfits.

The first session was a balanced affair. The two teams were never more than a basket away from their opponents. The lead changed hands six times, and Sliema were holding their own, against more quoted opponents. Depiro found it difficult to get into their stride.

In the second quarter the pattern continued for some minutes, until Leanne Sciberras’ personal points put Sliema 19-15 in front. A Depiro reaction gave them the game’s first break, a 7-0 run, as they swept into the lead.

They kept this advantage till the last seconds of the session, when Michela Loporto sank a trey for Sliema, to tie the match again, on a 25-25 score at the interval.

After the break Depiro started to get the upper hand. They managed to put together a 10-0 run, ending with a Greta Zarb trey. Sliema reacted at last, and led by the consistent Leanne Sciberras, they responded with a 7-0 run of theor own, to make it a closer game again. Both sides made free shots till the end of the quarter, as Depiro were 38-34 in front.

In the final session Sliema advanced to within a basket again, but Depiro had Joselle Cardona with two hoops in a three basket run, to lead 44-36. Then Depiro had to suffer the young Sliema side’s pressure, as they battled back to within a point.

This time, however, Depiro held out, and edged away enough to make sure in the final moments. They will still be disappointed with the score, whilst Sliema will be elated with the closeness of the result. depiro go into second place, behind leaders, Hibernians.

SLIEMA: 18 Leanne Sciberras, 9 Michela Loporto

DEPIRO: 16 Joselle Cardona, 11 Rachel Camilleri

REFEREES: Jean Paul Sammut, Jennifer Mangani

Standings: 10 Hibs Medsea (5-0), 9 Depiro (4-1), 8 Luxol (3-2), 8 Loyola Xuereb Installations (3-2), 7 Kerygma (2-3), 6 Sliema Wanderers (1-4), 6 SN Suns (0-6)