Luxol reclaimed their second spot in the standings, making the double over the Saints, as they ambled through, making sure early in the match. St. James were always in for a hard time, as the Violets are playing very confidently this season. At times, though, they tend to become complacent, which could be dangerous in other close encounters.

Luxol had Justine Mangion injured, and Ruth Spiteri was only guiding from the bench.

The Violets made a bright start, putting in a 9-0 run, before Jean Doughty stopped the run for the Saints. Luxol picked up the game once more, but some fancy play spoiled their finishing.

In the second session, Luxol were in command again, and a 7-0 run put a distance between the two teams. The game then fell below the previous levels, as both teams found difficulty in obtaining points. The score stayed low, as Luxol went into the half time break, on a 25-10 advantage.

After the break St. James couldn’t resist Luxol’s onslaught, as the Violets pushed home their superiority. An 8-0 run, with a Bev Zammit trey, started the rout, and an 11-2 run, with more Zammit points, and aided by Diana Muscat, completed the session. Luxol thus made sure with a quarter to go, on a 44-13 score.

In the final session it was an open game, as both sides opened up. The Saints kept pace at first, and Martha Abela sank a trey. Psaila Savona did likewise for Luxol, as they made up a good 13-2 run, for a 62-22 score. The Saints were more in the picture in the late stages, as Jean Doughty enhanced her personal score.

St. James Hospital: 9 Jean Doughty

Luxol: 15 Emma Moore, 15 Francesca Psaila Savona, 10 Diana Muscat, 10 Beverlee Zammit

Referees: Alfred Carbonaro, Jennifer Mangani

Kerygma 38

Sliema Wanderers 48

(8-12)(6-13)(11-8)(13-15)

Sliema managed back to back wins, after their victory over Suns a few days ago. They also avenged their minimal defeat by Kerygma, at the start of the league campaign. Kerygma seemed out of sorts throughout nearly the whole match, and never recovered from Sliema’s early lead, as they had to chase for the duration of the match.

Sliema were without Dana McKeon and Lonike Calleja.

The Wanderers made the better start, putting in three hoops, before Kerygma opened their account, with a Lara Cauchi trey. Sliema stayed in control, and increased their advantage, to a 12-5 score.

The second quarter found Sliema’s Chanel Galea sinking a trey. Kerygma seemed to pick themselves up, and went to a 12-15 score. It didn’t last long, as Sliema had the measure of their adversaries, and made up a 10-2 run, with Christina Martinelli potting from close range, from assists by Galea. At the interval Sliema were 25-14 ahead, on a low score.

After the break, Sliema were still in control, holding off their opponents, and preventing Kerygma from going any nearer. Midway through the session Kerygma found their form, and an 8-0 run brought them within the distance, at 25-30. Towards the end Sliema recovered, to open up a 33-25 advantage, with a session to go.

Kerygma had to get back in the match, and soon after the start of the final quarter Josette Calleja’s trey gave the score a closer look. Sliema were unruffled, and proceeded to open a double figure lead, at 40-30. Sliema held enough of a lead to keep them safe till the final buzzer, and pull away from Suns, languishing at the foot of the standings.

Kerygma: 12 Elaine Cutajar, 11 Josette Calleja, 10 Lara Cauchi

Sliema: 15 Christina Martinelli, 12 Chanel Galea, 12 Francesca Farrugia

Referees: David Sutr, Jennifer Mangani