Qormi made the first step for a quick return to the top division, which they graced last season. As matches go, this first final lived up to expectations, with both sets of supporters providing the intensity, especially the vociferous Qormi group.

St. James faced a well-prepared and disciplined side, and it could be that for some of the Saints’ youngsters the occasion proved a bit heavy for them. It was only Qormi’s second win over St. James in eight matches this season, but it was a very important one, as Qormi are but a step away from promotion, and the Saints have their work cut out to bounce back into contention, and win the second category title.

Nigel Sultana returned for St. James, but Clint Cassar was still missing. Qormi’s Vince Spiteri could only watch the match, but Wayne Grixti returned, after his two game suspension.

Keith Scicluna opened up with two fast hoops for Qormi. At the other end St. James’ reply tied the score, at 7-7. The minutes were all in Qormi’s favour, as they made a creditable 9-0 run, with a Roberto Formosa trey. When the Saints managed to stop the break, they emerged to make all the remaining points in the session, and went close once more.

In the second quarter, Qormi managed to increase their lead again, with a small 6-2 run, but Michel Farrugia sank a trey for St. James, as they recovered to go a basket behind, at 20-22.

Points were difficult to come by towards the end of the quarter, as Qormi held on to their advantage, at 26-23, at the interval.

After the break Stefan Vella’s trey for St. James tied the score, and then it was a case of Qormi going in front, and the Saints coming back to draw level.

The next time that Qormi took the lead the Saints went one better, and put in an 8-0 run, with a Shawn Pace trey. Qormi stopped the run, but couldn’t get any nearer. After three sessions St. James were 41-36 ahead.

Qormi wasted no time to overturn the score in the last quarter, and a second Formosa trey helped to put them in front, after a long and strong 16-2 run, but they lost Joshua Anastasi on fouls.

Shawn Pace’s second trey for the Saints renewed their hopes, but Nigel Sultana was also lost for them. Gianluca Cuschieri sank another trey, but was out on two unsportsmanlike fouls.

Qormi edged further ahead again, and their points, as the Saints tried to stop the clock, were instrumental in obtaining a good enough advantage, as to make Joe Vella’s trey in the last seconds, a superficial one. Qormi thus drew first blood in this final, and St. James cannot falter again, in a best of three final.

St. James: 13 S. Pace, K. Galea, 3 J. Vella, 6 G. Cuschieri, 7 N. Sultana, 4 S. Vella, 7 M. Farrugia, F. Medinic, 6 J. Ransley, 8 G. Coleiro

Qormi: W. Grixti, 10 A. Grech, 15 K. Scicluna, 17 J. Anastasi, D. Bugeja, C, Vella, 10 R. Formosa, 2 A. Axiaq, G. Borg, C. Bugeja, 5 S. Cauchi

Referees: Gordon Barbara, Alfred Carbonaro