A to Z Electronics Athleta 61

Siggiewi Derby 68

(20-13)(18-14)(13-13)(10-28)

Athleta’s proud unbeaten seasonal record went haywire and the runaway league leaders had their colours lowered after an inspired last session from Siggiewi.

Athleta had already made heavy going in their previous encounter before finally beating Depiro but they looked odds on to grab both points as they led Siggiewi with a comfortable score going on in the final period.

The triples rained in for the champions and Athleta couldn’t halt their slide as they tasted their first dregs of defeat this season.

Athleta had Alex Ryan abroad and Clayton Calleja was still injured. Siggiewi were also missing the injured Adrian Micallef.

Athleta’s Dirk Schembri netted the game’s opening hoop but Siggiewi then went ahead and although Athleta twice tied the score Marco Matijevic nailed a triple for the champions.

Athleta came back with free shots to go in front. Siggiewi cut down the deficit to a mere point but Athleta replied with an 8-2 closing session run for the first real advantage of the game.

In the second period Athleta kept up their good work and put in an 8-2 run ending with triples by Kristin Baldacchino and Omar Said and their lead went into double figures. Siggiewi finally stopped their adversaries and managed to net an 8-0 run of their own with a Lee Ross triple.

Said restored Athleta’s advantage with a personal 7-2 run and a second trey with Michael Naudi nailing a last second triple as Athleta procured a good 38-27 halftime lead.

After the break the points were harder to come by. After Athleta’s opening hoop Siggiewi made up a 9-2 run with a second Ross triple as his side returned within the distance. Athleta bounced back with an 8-0 run to draw away once more.

Till the end of the quarter Siggiewi were 40-51 in arrears despite a brace of hoops. The champions came out with teeth bared for the final session. They built up a solid 14-4 run as Eman Xuereb surprised everybody with three consecutive triples.

Siggiewi definitely back and tried to make amends but Alan Borg who had a quiet game suddenly popped up and two more Siggiewi treys had them in front. Athleta gained their last advantage but Siggiewi were not to be denied and ended the match with an 8-0 run as Athleta tried to stop the clock with no avail as they showed their faults.

Athleta: 20 M. Naudi, J. Zammit, 8 D. Schembri, E. Bezzina, C. Galea, 14 O. Said, 12 A. Bonnici, 3 K. Baldacchino, 4 S. Schembri

Siggiewi: 7 P. Shoults, K. Borg, J. Doughty, 9 E. Xuereb, 8 A. Borg, 18 L. Ross, 12 J. Jetson, 14 M. Matijevic

Referees: E. Mangani, A. Carbonaro, C. Terribile