Siggiewi had a more comfortable win, against the same opponents, from the one, just three days before. The champions managed to win all four sessions of play although Depiro held leads until the start of the second period. From then on Siggiewi were always in front and opened up their advantage gradually, denying Depiro any decisive comeback.

Siggiewi are now in the hat for the semi-final draw, along with the other three teams.

Depiro recovered Jonathan Camilleri and Jeffrey Gatt, but Gilmore Mercieca was missing. The champions were without Jide Jetson.

Although Siggiewi had Alan Borg with the first points, and an early triple, Depiro’s Isaac Tanti was accurate in his shooting. Marco Matijevic put in a personal 8-2 run for Siggiewi, also with a triple, as his side edged ahead. And they kept their advantage till the end of the period, despite some Emanuel Lupo points. A late 8-2 burst had the champions on a better lead.

In the second quarter Depiro began in a better mood and put in an 8-0 run, with a Roderick Vella triple, as they swept into a slim advantage. It was then Siggiewi’s turn to take a grip on the match, as they proceeded to make up a good 11-0 run, beginning with a Peter Shoults triple, and ending with Matijevic free throws. Till the end of the session there were triples at both ends, from JP Schembri for Depiro, and Eman Xuereb for the champions. At the interval Siggiewi were leading 41-33.

After the break Depiro began to crawl back, with Lupo and Tanti points getting them closer. Siggiewi managed to stem Depiro’s efforts and turned in a 9-4 run of their own, to go into a double figure lead.

Depiro closed down the period with an Andrew aquiline hoop and the score was 56-47 in Siggiewi’s favour, with a last session to play.

Depiro’s points only served to keep them in the game with a shout, as Alan Borg sank his second triple. And Siggiewi opened up their lead. Depiro’s answer were triples by Andrew Aquilina and a second Vella trey, but in between Alan Borg was still making points for the champions, along with Matijevic. Siggiewi were on enough of a lead to discourage Depiro, in their attempts to make a game of it, with a prohibitive advantage.

Depiro: 8 R. Vella, 7 JP Schembri, 7 D. Bugeja, 7 A. Aquilina, J. Gatt, J. Camilleri, 12 E. Lupo, M. Mallia, 21 I. Tanti

Siggiewi: 7 P. Shoults, K. Borg, J. Doughty, 9 E. Xuereb, 18 A. Borg, 10 L. Ross, 36 M. Matijevic

Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, C. Terribile