Siggiewi Derby 81

Tata Motors Loyola 45

(20-14)(22-9)(27-6)(12-16)

Siggiewi are still unbeaten, after three matches, since the league restarted, just days ago. They disposed of Loyola, in a match they dominated, from early on. Loyola were expected to offer stiffer opposition, but the champions’ insistence procured them a heavy victory, as three of their players netted good, personal scores. Siggiewi ended the second round of play solidly in second place.

Siggiewi were still without Adrian Micallef, fielding a seven man squad. Loyola had Mark Cilia back, and included young John Paul Borg, but Sean Borg was missing. Actually Loyola were coming from an eight week layoff.

It was Loyola with a David Camilleri triple at the start. The champions obtained their opening points through free throws. Loyola held their advnatge until Siggiewi made up an 8-0 run, but regained their lead when Billy Zammit nailed a triple.

Siggiewi’s reaction brought about a good 9-0 run, as Marco matijevic sank the last points. Loyola sneaked in a late hoop, but were still 14-20 behind. In the second period Karl Borg went on court for the champions, and promptly put in a trey.

Loyola replied, but an 8-2 Siggiewi run had them gaining a double figure advantage. Zammit netted a second triple and a hoop, to cut down Loyola’s deficit, but the champions were back with a further 7-0 run, and a Peter Shoults trey, to remain in control of the proceedings. At the interval they were on a solid 42-23 lead.

After the break Loyola were dealt further blows, as Siggiewi stormed forward with a sound 14-0 run, and a brace of Lee Ross triples. Camilleri netted a second trey for Loyola, but it was a scant reply, as Siggiewi continued with their dominance, with another heavy 13-2 run, and another Ross triple, and some more Shoults points.

The champions could be termed already safe, with a 69-29 score. The final quarter was a more open affair, with the result in no doubt.

Loyola could express themselves better, given more freedom on court, and siggiewi, who began with an Eman Xuereb triple, were quite content with the outcome. Loyola had Zammit with more late points, and a third trey, but their deficit was a prohibitive one.

Siggiewi: 18 P. Shoults, J. Doughty, 13 E. Xuereb, 4 K. Borg, 4 A. Borg, 19 L. Ross, 1 J. Jetson, 22 M. Matijevic

Loyola: 3 S. Pace, 16 B. Zammit, 8 D. Camilleri, JP Borg, 1 M. Cilia, S. Vella, 13 A. Axiaq, 2 J. Mihailovic, 2 J. Anastasi, J. Ransley, A. Tabone

Referees: G. Barbara, E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro