Sliema held on to their top spot, and registered their third victory in four matches against Kerygma. The latter have now gone out of the reckoning, as regards the winning of this section.

Sliema’s other opposition are St. James Hospital, who they will meet in their last match, in a few days time. Kerygma recovered after the break, after a stale period in the second quarter, but they then fell foul once more in the last session, and their deficit grew in the last stages of the game.

Sliema were the team with the better start, with a 5-2 lead. Kerygma settled down nicely, and put in a good 8-2 run, to jump in front. Sliema had an adequate reply, and managed to go ahead, keeping their lead till the end of the quarter.

In the second sesison Kerygma twice took the lead, with a Lara Cauchi trey, and Elaine Cutajar free throws. They didn’t hold the momentum, and Sliema, ably led by Leanne Sciberras and Chanel Galea, took the game in hand once more. This time they established a good lead till the interval, on a 26-17 score.

After the break Sliema held on to their advanatge at first, and also marginally increased their lead. Kerygma sudenly began to dictate the play, and Sliema were on the receiving end in the mid-part of the quarter.

Kerygma compiled an 8-0 run, going close, at 28-31. Sliema, or Sciberras to be correct, recovered, as she potted all her side’s points in this session. With a quarter to go Sliema were 35-29 in front.

Kerygma’s efforts to make up the leeway went astray, as Sliema held on to their lead, at 41-32. Kerygma finally rallied, to go to just two hoops behind, mostly through free shots.

Sliema recovered admirably, and a 10-2 run killed off the game, as Kerygma had little time to get within the distance once more. Sliema increased their lead, late in the match, and ended up comfortable winners.

Sliema: 26 leanne Sciberras, 14 Francesca Farrugia, 10 Chanel Galea

Kerygma: 15 Elaine Cutajar, 11 Nadia Cassar, 8 Josette Calleja

Referees: Jean Paul Sammut, Stephen Micallef