Floriana E. Peugeot 89
Mellieha Tritones 67
(29-19)(29-10)(23-11)(8-27)
Floriana celebrated their fourth league success in this category as they returned to winning ways after two unexpected defeats.
It turned out to be a high scoring match with Floriana managing to have the better of Mellieha in all the five matches they played against each other. Some good personal scores were recorded at both ends.
Floriana were with their full squad on this joyous occasion with the returning Mark Ciantar. Mellieha were without their coach Hilary Fenech Michael Camilleri was injured and Reuben Abela was unavailable.
The Greens began with a 7-2 run and a Steve Sammut triple. Rihrads Polis sank a second trey for Floriana but Joshua Aquilina replied likewise for Mellieha.
After more Polis points for the Greens Mellieha had Oliver Sammut with another triple. Steve Sammut nailed two more Floriana treys before both sides returned to hoops and free shots.
In the second period the triples began once more with sammut for Mellieha and Chris and Steve sammut for the champions. Midway through the period Floriana made up a solid 15-0 run and shortly afterwards at the interval they were 58-29 in the lead.
After the break, Floriana kept on going as they made up a 9-0 run. When Mellieha reacted they had Aquilina with a second triple but Floriana were back with a 12-4 run as Ben Aquilina made his points.
With a session to go the Greens were 81-40 in front. The points for the Greens were not so prolific as before.
Mellieha sought to end the game with a better scoreline and Sammut had a glorious time netting a further four triples to enhance his position as the leading three point scorer. The game finished with both sets of players renouncing play to congratulate each other in the final seconds.
After the match the MBA general secretary Jean Paul Sammut presented the Floriana captain. Ian Mercieca with the Second division league trophy.
Floriana: 22 Steve Sammut, 20 Ben Aquilina, 18 Chris Sammut, 8 Mark Ciantar, 7 Rihards Polis, 6 Joseph Tanti, 6 Neville Mercieca, 2 Jeremy Curmi
Mellieha: 25 Oliver Sammut, 14 Sassoun Saakian, 12 Joshua Aquilina, 9 Matthew Cauchi, 5 Jason Sant, 2 Patrick Cauchi
Referees: A. Carbonaro, L. Camilleri