Hibs recovered from their league defeat by Depiro and the disappointment of not having their Cuban player approved to play with them according to the President’s Council rules policy.

The Paolites eliminated the holders and avenged their slim league defeat by the Violets. It was match with two faces as Luxol were in control till the interval but the last two sessions saw Luxol fade away badly and the champions stormed forward to open up enough of a lead to assure themselves of victory and progress to the final.

Luxol played with their established side whilst Hibs had Mandy Zammit missing but Maria Desira is now recovered from her long term injury and made a presence on the bench.

Both sides were very wary of each other and the points started slowly. Luxol managed to eke out a 9-3 advantage after an Emma Moore triple but the Paolites recovered to cut down the deficit. The Violets stayed in front and extended their lead in the second period with a Beverlee Zammit triple with the champions clawing backto a basket behind. Luxol had Zammit and Becky Naudi netting their triples but the champions swung right back only to be hit again with a third Zammit trey. Till the interval Luxol kept a small 29-26 advantage.

After the break and a Mandi Sciortino free throw for Luxol it was Hibs who were forcing the match as they made up a long 10-0 run with a Kirsten Baldacchino triple. This took them to the end of the quarter with the Violets unable to retaliate as Hibs swept to a 36-30 lead.

Luxol did not recuperate in the final session as the champions pressed forward and a 9-0 run had them on a strong advantage. Steffi De Martino sank a triple as the Violets tried for a comeback but they were struck two more Baldacchino treys in a 10-1 Hibs run which closed down the game even if there were some more points at both ends.

Luxol: 5 E. Moore, 9 M. Sciortino, L. Serge, 5 B. Naudi, 9 S. De Martino, J. Carbonell, P. Ellul, 5 D. Muscat, E. Grech, 9 B. Zammit

Hibs: E. Micallef, 3 E. Cassar, 13 L. Bezzina, 1 F. Tabone, M. Desira, 9 D. Micallef, 3 N. Arrigo, 12 K. Baldacchino, 18 J. Cardona, C. Schiavone

Referees: G. Barbara, A. Carbonaro