Starlites Sports Experience 20
Hibernians 59
(2-20, 2-14, 9-17, 7-8)
The Paolites duly topped their group and swept into the semis. There was never any doubt about the victory and their strong opening in the match confirmed this. Starlites had Ariana Grixti to hike up their points but her side could only play second fiddle for the whole encounter.
For Starlites there were Christine Spiteri Claire and Christine Sciciluna all missing with Stephanie Davis making her first appearance.
The Paolites had Emma Micallef joining Doreen Micallef in calling it a day. Alexis Cutajar was also absent. Nadia Arrigo played her first match along with two youngsters Julia Xerri and Francesca Mifsud.
Hibs meant business from the start and the trio maria Desira Arrigo and Joselle cardona had Starlites on the rack with an opening 17-0 run. Starlites were limited to a single hoop through the first period in which they fell further behind.
The Paolites introduced their youngsters in the second session but were still dominant and Starlites once more could only muster a solitary hoop. Hibs finished off with a 10-0 run for a hefty 34-4 advantage halfway through the game.
After the break it looked as if Hibs were in for a repeat performance when they began with an 11-0 run and a Kirsten Baldacchino triple.
The script then changed a little as Ariana Grixti began to prop up her side in scoring netting all the Starlites’ points. Hibs pushed their score to a 51-13 advantage.
The last quarter was one to pass over quickly. Points were at a low especially from the Paolites’ end as the players lost concentration and made several turnovers. This did not affect the run of play with the healthy lead in Hibs’ favour as they saw out the remaining time.
Starlites A. Farrugia, C. Riolo, 12 A. Grixti, S. Tabone, S. Cutajar, 4 L. Pirotta, N. Attard, MC Cilia, 2 S. Dvais, 2 M. Cutajar
Hibs 2 J. Xerri, 6 E. Cassar, 8 F. Mifsud, 4 L. Bezzina, 12 M. Desira, K. Gatt, 8 N. Arrigo, 7 K. Baldacchino, 12 J. Cardona
Referees C. Terribile, R. Darmanin