The champions strode into the final, which they consider their own, having won it in the last seven seasons, and for 11 times in the last 15 years. It was also their fourth seasonal victory over Kerygma, who are doing quite well this season, having also registered prestigious wins over more quoted opponents.

Hibs are showing their class these days, and are putting all opponents under intense pressure.

The Paolites opened up with their flowing play, easily obtaining points, although Kerygma has their fair share of the game, also netting a couple of treys, by Josette Calleja and Moira Caruana. At the other end Lucienne Bezzina, Maria Desira and Doreen Parnis were piling up the points for Hibs, and they had already gone into a double figure lead.

In the second quarter the Paolites tightened up their defence, and Kerygma found it harder to obtain points, though Calleja put in her second trey.

The champions started introducing their bench players, but their play was still strong, and Bezzina and Caroline Fenech were in the forefront, as the half century was reached at the interval, with Hibs leading 50-26.

After the break the champions put in a 15-0 run, mostly through Beverlee Zammit, who was presented with the Player of the Month award for January before the match. Kerygma crept back in the game in the latter stages, and after personal points by Renette Debono, it was Josette Calleja with her third trey. By that time the Paolites had built up a 69-35 advantage, to go into the last quarter with a sure knowledge of a good win.

Kerygma were still hammered in the last session, as Doreen Parnis made three hoops in a row, and Bezzina and Desira followed up with more points. In between Calleja managed to net her fourth trey. Hibs' subs also had a good run in this quarter, getting in amongst the scorers, as the champions now look towards the final and a third successive honour.

KERYGMA:22 Josette Calleja

HIBS:25 Lucienne Bezzina,20 Doreen Parnis,14 Maria Desira,10 Beverlee Zammit

REFEREES: Emanuel Mangani, Alfred Carbonaro

Depiro 70

Sliema Wanderers 36

(19-7)(20-10)(13-13)(18-6)

Depiro will be Hibs' opponents in the K.O. final, after overcoming Sliema in a game which seemed to be getting out of hand, before settling down in a foul strewn match, which held up play for some time.

Depiro's long run in the first session was enough to guarantee them a lead till the end of the match, as Sliema only had Leanne Sciberras on a par, to threaten their defence.

It was a slow game at the start, with Depiro replying twice to Sliema's opening hoop. Sciberras' free shots and Michela Loporto gave Sliema an unexpected 7-4 lead, but then Sliema were shut out for the rest of the session, as Joselle Cardona marshalled her side to a 15-0 run, as Depiro went clear.

In the second quarter Sliema were still being penned back. A 10-2 run for Depiro, with an opening Sarah Pace trey, extended their lead, with Sciberras trying to organise Sliema's reply.

Depiro couldn't be held back, as Raquel Camenzuli went on court and put in her hoops, including a trey, being ably helped by Sarah Pace. As Depiro's lead soared, their bench players went on court, and Sliema were given a little respite. At the interval Depiro were leading 39-17.

After the break the play was shoddy at both ends. Sliema replied to depiro's points at first, but the Mtarfa side began to dictate play again. Their lead didn't improve, however, as Sciberras was still spearheading Sliema's efforts to match their opponents. Rachel Camilleri was on hand at the other end, to keep Depiro comfortably ahead, and after three sessions they were 52-30 in front.

In the final quarter Abigail Sciberras' free shots improved Depiro's lead, before Sciberras showed up again, midway through the session. Greta Zarb and Sarah Pace pierced Sliema's zone several times, to enhance Depiro's performance, making the double over Sliema, improving on their winning margin from the first match.

DEPIRO: 17 Sarah Pace, 13 Rachel Camilleri, 10 Joselle Cardona, 10 Greta Zarb

SLIEMA: 22 Leanne Sciberras

REFEREES: Alfred Carbonaro, Jennifer Mangani