Athleta won the Super Cup for the eighth time, in thirteen finals played, and they kept the honour for the third time running. They were only behind at the start of the match, but when they took the lead, it didn’t escape their grasp, despite Siggiewi’s valiant efforts. It was really close at the death, but Athleta pulled through till the end.

The champions paraded their new signings, Hungarian, Andras Fekete and David Bugeja, but Steve Schembri was injured. Siggiewi had Nigel Sultana and Louis Camilleri back, after missing most of last season’s games. They also had a second foreigner – Belgian, Clement Kadomaris – and a Maltese Australian, Chris Meier. Missing were Adrian Micallef and Jide Jetson.

There was a determined start from both teams. Athleta took the opening advantage, with Siggiewi overturning the score. Athleta went back ahead, with Siggiewi keeping close, when Peter Shoults nailed a triple.

Athleta held on to their lead, and in a last flurry, Kristin Baldacchino netted a last second triple for the champions. Athleta were further in front in the second period, with free throws helping Siggiewi to cut down on their deficit, only for the champions to make up a 7-1 run, and go into a double figure advantage. Siggiewi reacted to the last athleta points, and then built up a 7-0 run, to end the session 29-32 behind, at the interval.

Siggiewi were within a point, after the break, with Athleta opening up another advantage. Siggiewi cut back, but Athleta then recovered. Siggiewi were not daunted, and crept back, to just behind their adversaries. Athleta managed to edge further ahead, with an Omar said triple, to reach a 47-41 score, with a quarter to go. A second Said trey had the champions further out in front, and although Marco Matijevic reduced the arrears for Siggiewi, it was athleta to hit back. A late rally had Alan Borg and Sultana netting triples, dragging their side to a basket behind. Athleta held possession, made their free shots, and held out till the finish.

After the match Athleta received the first seasonal honour, from the new MBA president, Paul Sultana, who presented Michael Naudi, the Athleta captain, with the trophy.

Athleta 13 M. Naudi, 6 A. Fekete, 2 D. Schembri, M. Giusti, 16 O. Said, C. Calleja, 14 A, Bonnici, 5 K. Baldacchino, 3 D. Buhagiar

Siggiewi R. Agius, 3 L. Camilleri, 9 P. Shoults, 3 E. Xuereb, 9 N. Sultana, 3 A. Borg, 8 C. Maier, 3 C. Kadomaris, 16 M. Matijevic

Referees B. Vassallo, G. Barbara, C. Terribile