Starlites Ker Grill 34

Vida Siggiewi 31

(8-6)(7-11)(9-8)(10-6)

Starlites are known for their defensive matches and coach Sandro Farrugia has a well-knit side which has been turning out good results lately.

They merited their victory over Siggiewi as they kept a strict control over their opponents and did just enough to edge ahead in a very low scoring encounter typical of the winners’ games.

Siggiewi didn’t relish the tight marking and paid the price as Starlites procured their first K.O. success in their first ever final of this competition.

Both sides fielded their latest formations.

The two teams felt the occasion at first and also playing in front of a large and vociferous crowd. The champions had Petar Vulovic with the opening hoop but Starlites settled down quicker and they put in an 8-0 run ending with a Robert Loporto triple.

Siggiewi recovered late in the session and Glenn Gauci Grech’s points including a trey had them just a basket away. In the seconf period Siggiewi pressed forward when they netted a 10-0 run as Noel Falzon and Lee grech sank their triples.

The champions’ advantage was then whittled down as Starlites made up a 7-0 run with Abraham Portelli leading the charge. Siggiewi stopped their adversaries and they managed to hold on to a slim and very low 17-15 lead at the interval.

After the break Siggiewi’s first hoop edged them a little further ahead but Starlitesproceeded to shut them out for some time also making a 9-0 run of their own with an Ivan Riolo triple. Starlites’ new found advantage was wiped out when Siggiewi reacted before the end of the session.

They nailed a brace of treys by Lee Grech and Albert Borg to go back in front on a thin 25-24 lead.

The final period had the champions keeping their opponents at bay and opening up a slightly better lead. Starlites crept forward with their free throws to draw level with Ivan Riolo then dealing a heavy blow with his second triple. Siggiewi just couldn’t make it back and had to concede the honour won last season.

After the match the BOV representative, Edward Muscat Azzopardi, presented the trophy to the the Starlites’captain Ivan Riolo as they kept on their recent positive trend.

Starlites: 11 Abraham Portelli, 7 Robert Loporto, 7 Steve Gouder, 6 Ivan Riolo, 3 Saviour Bonnici

Siggiewi: 12 Lee Grech, 7 Albert Borg, 4 Glenn Gauci Grech, 3 Petar Vulovic, 3 Noel Falzon, 1 John Paul Antoncic, 1 Clayton Agius

Referees: Gordon Barbara, Luke Camilleri