McDonalds Depiro 52

Hibs Medsea 47

(18-11)(8-8)(8-15)(18-13)

The first of two finals, as this competition is played, went Depiro’s way in the last stages of the encounter. Depiro held their own till the interval, with their better ideas, but the champions were attheir best later on, overturning a double figure deficit, and also holding a good six point lead, late in the game. Depiro ended the match on a long run, which had them taking a five point cushion into the second final, two days later.

Depiro had Justine Xuereb missing. The Paolites were without Caroline Schiavone, Francesca Tabone and Emma Micallef.

Joselle Cardona began for the champions, giving them a 5-2 lead, and Kirsten Baldacchino, with her triple, put Hibs 10-4 ahead. Depiro organised themselves, and the game swung their way, as they proceeded to make up a solid 14-1 run, when Antoinette Borg, also with a triple, and Kaila Agius, gave their side an opening session advantage, with their direct play, and a better defence.

In the second period there was stricter control by both outfits, and the points took a downward trend. Hibs’ efforts to get nearer were aided by a second Baldacchino trey. Depiro took their time, and gradually built up their advantage once more, going up to their former lead by the interval, on a 26-19 low score, although chances were being foiled, at both ends, with hurried shooting.

After the break Depiro’s persistence earned them a double figure advantage, after a Sarah Pace triple, but then the Paolites suddenly came bang into the match, and some determined play, and gritty defence, had them creeping back, as they totted up a creditable 13-0 run, with Doreen Micallef netting a triple, as Depiro lost their lead.

This was short lived, as Greta Zarb nailed a triple, but before the period ended the champions were on level terms, on a 34-34 score. In the final session Hibs made up a three hoop run, but Zarb was on hand again, for depiro, with a brace of triples, although the Paolites managed to hold on to their lead. A couple fo hoops extended Hibs’ advantage, but Depiro finished off this first final with an 11-0 run, and yet another Zarb trey, to make the opening step into winning this Cup, since 2005.

Depiro: 4 S. Pace, 18 G. Zarb, A. Mifsud, M. Bonett, 3 F. Bianco, J. Busuttil Gaerty, 18 A. Borg, C. Sammut, E. vella, S. Micallef, 9 K. Agius

Hibs: E. Cassar, M. Zammit, 4 L. Bezzina, M. Desira, 9 D. Micallef, 6 A. Darmanin, 2 N. Arrigo, 9 K. Baldacchino, 17 J. Cardona

Referees: E. Mangani, C. Terribile