Hibs Medsea 58

Depiro 53

(17-14)(16-13)(15-8)(10-18)

Hibs bounced back from their second match final defeat, to take all the season’s honours back to their club. It was a bitter pill for Depiro, after coming back from the dead in their previous match.

They faced the same dilemma in the last quarter, but this time they didn’t make it, and Hibs could edge through, and claim the top prize.

Played in front of a large crowd, the lead changed hands five times in the course of the opening session. Depiro came from behind twice to lead 10-7, but Bev Zammit’s assists resulted in a trio of hoops, and an 8-0 run.

Depiro recovered, but they only managed to reduce their arrears. It was still a close game, with the champions on a slight lead.

In the second session the shooters were let loose. Depiro opened up with treys by Sarah Pace and Rachel Camilleri, to go 20-19 in front.

The Paolites had a reply, and two Bev Zammit treys, in an 8-2 run, restored Hibs’ lead.

Depiro tried to control the play, but Maria Desira was being fed well in the paint, and the champions’ lead increased. Rachel Camilleri then dragged Depiro back, with her second trey, and at the interval Hibs were on a 33-27 advantage.

After the break the champions opened up strongly, and with Bev Zammit in fine form, and netting her third trey, they made up an 8-0 run.

In the following minutes the Paolites became foul hit, though they still retained their lead. Towards the end of the quarter Doreen Parnis’ points helped Hibs to a better advantage.

Depiro gave themselves hope with Sarah Pace’s free throws, as Hibs once more, as in their last game, started the last session on thirteen points lead, at 48-35.

In the last quarter both teams were feeling the strain, as only a single hoop was registered in the first four minutes of play.

Depiro’s attempts to get near were thwarted by the Paolites, at first, but they lost two players on fouls.

Hibs held on grimly as Depiro began creeping back, helped by a Rachel Camilleri third trey. Time was, however, against Depiro, and Hibs saw the game safely through, with eyes constantly on the game clock.

The Paolites made a clean sweep of the season’s honours, and won the league title for the eleventh time, in 18 seasons.

After the match the MBA president, Mag. Antonio Mizzi, presented the league trophy to Hibs’ Doreen Parnis, as their large contingent of supporters made merry.

HIBS: 8 C. Fenech, 18 B. Zammit, F. Bianco, F. Tabone, 10 M. Desira, 10 D. Parnis, 11 A. Darmanin, N. Mifsud, S. Debono, 1 M. Cutajar

DEPIRO: 3 R. Camenzuli, C. Riolo, 21 S. Pace, 3 J. Cardona, 2 R. Spiteri, 13 R. Camilleri, A. Muscat, C. Hawkins, 2 A. Sciberras, E. Vella, 9 G. Zarb

REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Gordon Barbara