WILLIE VASSALLO

Hibs held on their league title, with a resounding win, their second in succession over Depiro, who had entertained hopes after their first game victory. It was not to be, as the Paolites pulled off another good performance, and once more their left their best till after the interval, when Depiro had no answer to the champions’ all round play. Depiro did try a couple of changes, with Abigail Sciberras starting on the bench, and Sarah Pace leaving the shooting to others, but the young Depiro players seemed to find the occasion too much for them, and Hibs’ experience did the rest. It was the champions’ 12th league title, including the last three successive seasons.

Lucienne Bezzina potted the first hoop for Hibs, but Greta Zarb sank a trey for Depiro. Doreen Micallef also put in a trey for the champions, although Depiro led 8-5. The Paolites then managed a strong 11-0 run, starting with Kirsten Micallef free throws. Depiro were not overawed at first, and slowly, but surely they came storming back, to put in a 9-0 run, also beginning with free shots, edging just ahead in the final seconds of the quarter.

In the second session the Paolites went back in front, with a 7-2 run, ending with a Kirsten Micallef trey, and a 23-19 lead. Depiro bounced back again, and a better 10-0 run, with more Rachel Camilleri points, and a trey, pushed them to a useful advantage. The Paolites pulled back a couple of hoops, but Abigail Sciberras, who didn’t start the match as usual, came on, late in the session, to extend Depiro’s lead at the interval. in a 31-27 score.

After the break the champions, ably led by their captain, Doreen Micallef, took the match in hand, and warded off Depiro’s challenge with an opening 11-2 run, as Micallef and Caroline Fenech netted all the points. Depiro’s reply wasn’t so convincing, and the Paolites finished off the quarter with a three basket spread, which presented them with a sound 44-35 lead, with a session to go.

Depiro had to make their move, and they promptly put in a couple of hoops, to get back in the game. Hibs had a ready answer, and some cool shooting helped them to restore their original lead, at 51-42. Kirsten Micallef kept Hibs buoyant with her non-stop possession, as the time started to wind down. Both Sarah Pace and Kirsten Micallef made treys, as the Paolites held on to their advantage. Depior’s last efforts proved useless, and the champions ended off the game with a convincing 11-2 run, to carry off the title, after their early season MBA Shield success.

At the end of the match Hibs’ triumphant squad received the league trophy from the MBA president, Mag. Antonio Mizzi

Hibs: 10 C. Fenech, K. Tonna, F. Bianco, 14 L. Bezzina, F. Tabone, 6 M. Desira, 16 D. Micallef, 7 A. Darmanin, N. MIfsud, 10 K. Micallef, S. Debono, 2 M. Cutajar

Depiro: R. Debono, C. Riolo, 7 S. Pace, 6 Joselle Cardona, K. Busuttil, 20 R. Camilleri, 13 G. Zarb, J. Busuttil Gaerty, 3 A. Sciberras, E. Vella, R. Spiteri

Referees: Emanuel Mangani, Alfred Carbonaro