Hibs Medsea 55

Luxol 41

(9-9)(14-8)(17-10)(15-14)

Hibs bounced admirably back from their first final defeat and also overcame a setback with a player injured in training.

For the Luxol lasses it seemed that this match was too big for some of them as they played below par and Steffi De Martino was kept under wraps for most of the match.

Hibs also played their part with a solid performance befitting the champions. They also kept their hopes alive of increasing their already enviable record of five league titles in a row.

The game started with tight marking. The Violets twice went in front with the Paolites putting in their replies the second time with a Lucienne Bezzina triple.

Luxol had Emma Moore also with a triple but Hibs turned the score around after a Doreen Micallef hoop. Till the end of the period Steffi De Martino netted a couple of free shots to tie the score.

In the second session it was the Paolites who built up an 8-2 run with Luxol in difficulties. A second Luxol hoop had Hibs making more points and taking a better advantage. The Violets finally could strike back to creep a little closer but another Micallef hoop in the last seconds had Hibs on a 23-17 interval advantage.

After the break, it was still the Paolites with the better ideas. Luxol could only reply to their adversaries’ points and Hibs could hold on to their lead till midway through the period.

Then the Violets were hit once more as Hibs made up a 7-0 run with their free throws. Luxol mustered a single hoop in reply and Hibs went into the last quarter on a solid 40-27 advantage.

Luxol did not have the power to make a final spurt and try to save the match. The Paolites were always in command despite some hot Luxol pressureand a Bev Zammit triple.

The score was yet very favourable to Hibs and their advantage never wavered. They coasted through the rest of the encounter to force the deciding rubber as had happened the season before between the two sides.

Hibs: E. Micallef, E. Cassar, 14 L. Bezzina, 11 M. Desira, 14 D. Micallef, 3 A. Darmanin, 2 N. Arrigo, 11 Joselle Cardona

Luxol: 8 E. Moore, 10 M. Sciortino, 2 L. Serge, 2 B. Naudi, 6 S. De Martino, 3 P. Ellul, 4 D. Muscat, 6 B. Zammit

Referees: E. Mangani, L. Camilleri