Siggiewi Smina 54

Dakar Sliema 52

(14-18)(17-7)(5-14)(18-13)

(Agg. 102-118)

Sliema won this competition for the fifth time, never losing in any final they took part in. This final went on aggregate points, as Siggiewi rallied from their first game defeat, but the difference in points was too large from the first match, and Siggiewi had to be content with the sharing of the two games, and also taking into consideration Siggiewi's predicament as to their playing staff. Sliema have now won three of the four honours played for this season, with the other going to Siggiewi.

Siggiewi had to field a depleted side, with Adrian Bonnici and Louis Camilleri out on hamstring injuries, and Steve Sammut and Eman Xuereb missing, Sliema once more had Duncan Cuschieri just a spectator on the bench.

Sliema held the first lead, after Omar Said's trey, but Siggiewi rallied, to go twice in front, despite a Michael Naudi trey. Sliema showed their worth again, as they built up an 8-0 run, with Naudi's second trey, and Adrian Micallef's similar long shot. After the first quarter it was Sliema on a small advantage.

In the second session Siggiewi recovered, and a 9-2 opening run, which began with a JP Azzopardi trey, gave them a 23-20 lead. Sliema had difficulty getting into their rhythm again, but late in the quarter they managed to take a slim lead. Siggiewi grimly came back once more, to post an 8-1 closing run, with David Camilleri making the last points. At the interval Siggiewi were 31-25 ahead.

After the break Siggiewi tried to keep the momentum going. After going further ahead they were hit by Etienne bezzina's points, including a trey. Sliema were still in arrears late in the session, as Siggiewi held on. In the last minute Bezzina completed a 7-0 run, with his second trey, after a couple of Naudi hoops, and with a quarter to go Sliema went 39-36 in front, after trailing for some time.

Siggiewi's efforts to go back in front were thwarted, as Bezzina sank his third trey, in a 6-0 run. JP Bonnici and Abraham Portelli dragged Siggiewi back to a 45-45 tie. An Omar Said trey gave the lead to Sliema, but Siggiewi made a last ditch try, which was successful, as they overtook the Blues. In the last seconds of the match Siggiewi resisted Sliema's attacks, to finish the game ahead of their opponents, but not enough to claim the Cup. At the end both sets of supporters were happy, with Sliema's third honour and Siggiewi's good performance and second final win.

At the end of the match the President Emeritus of the MBA, Louis Borg, presented medals and trophies to the two teams, as Sliema took the Cup back with them.

SIGGIEWI: 7 A. Spiteri, I. Mercieca, 15 D. Camilleri, J. Doughty, 13 A. Portelli, 5 JP Azzopardi, 6 P. Shoults, 8 JP Bonnici, M. Shoults, A. Huizer

SLIEMA: 15 M. Naudi, J. Zammit, C. Calleja, 15 E. Bezzina, J. Galea, T. Vella, 7 O. Said, 3 A. Micallef, 2 K. Baldacchino, 8 S. Cassar, 2 J. gatt

REFEREES: Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut