Athleta were given a torrid time by Siggiewi but they emerged victorious at the end to claim their second seasonal honour again against the champions. It was their eighth Super Cup success.

The final score belies the stiff opposition provided by the champions who were several times in the lead but Athleta always came back and a solid ending gave them control. When Siggiewi tried to stop the clock and resorted to hasty shooting they fell in Athleta’s hands and the winners could cruise through the final minutes and claim the prize.

Lee Ross made a welcome return for the champions after such a lengthy layoff due to injury last season. Apart from that both teams fielded their standard formations.

It was a wary start for both sides more intent on neutralizing than going forward. Adrian Micallef began for the champions with a brace of hoops before Athleta got down to business and Addison Bonnici had them on level terms.

Siggiewi went in front once more but Omar Said popped up with two Athleta triples in a 9-0 closing run which took his side into a good lead so early on in the match.

In the second period after an early Eman Xuereb hoop for Siggiewi Athleta went into the picture with a three basket spread by Michael Naudi as they reopened a double figure advantage.

Lee Ross went on court for the first time this season and Marco Matijevic opened his scoring account. Siggiewi’s efforts to draw nearer were blocked by a Kristin Baldacchino triple but the champions were relentless and more Matijevic points resulted in an 8-0 run with Siggiewi just a point in arrears. Steve Schembri then netted a triple for Athleta as they went to take a 25-21 advantage halfway through the encounter.

After the break and an early Bonnici hoop for Athleta the champions came storming back once more. A 9-0 run with a Ross triple had them enjoying a lead. Naudi’s points had both teams level but Matijevic eked out another advantage.

Athleta overturned the score but Alan Borg netted a triple as the champions forged in front once more.

They didn’t keep their lead long and when Athleta were ahead Siggiewi closed down and when the last session started it was Athleta at just 41-40. Siggiewi turned the score around obtaining a four point lead but Steve Schembri’s entry on court produced a seven point personal run with another trey.

Siggiewi pulled a hoop back but Athleta were in full cry with another 8-0 run.

There was little time left and Siggiewi resorted to hasty shooting. The athleta free throws took them further in front and the result was in no doubt for them.

After the match the MBA president Magistrate Antonio Mizzi presented the Detur Super Cup to the Athleta captain Michael Naudi for his side’s second honour.

Siggiewi: 4 P. Shoults, K. Borg, J. Doughty, 2 E. Xuereb, 5 A. Borg, 16 A, Micallef, 5 L. Ross, J. Jetson, 18 M. Matijevic

Athleta: 16 M. Naudi, J. Zammit, C. Galea, E. Bezzina, 3 D. Schembri, 9 O. Said, C. Calleja, 9 A. Bonnici, 8 K. Baldacchino, A. Ryan, 17 S. Schembri

Referees: JP Sammut, A. Baldacchino, C. Terribile