McDonalds Depiro 49

Alyssa Ashley Loyola 66

(6-16, 18-18, 12-18, 13-14)

Loyola are the other finalists to contest Luxol, the reigning champions, in a best of five series. More was expected from Depiro even though they had suffered a heavy defeat just a few days before.

Loyola raced ahead from the start and they could administer the match to their liking. Depiro had to play second fiddle throughout the whole game and were never really in contention.

As statistics go it is the first ever championship final for Loyola. Already the holders of the MBA Shield, they are now also in their first ever major final.

Depiro had Maria Bonett and Justine Xuereb missing. Loyola recovered Christine Grima and Francesca Camilleri.

Loyola rushed Depiro off their feet at the start and after an Adalia Bonanno hoop, Grima began to put in her points as her side flashed 12-0 out in front.

Depiro’s first hoops brought a reply from Loyola as Grima and Desarae Johnson kept Loyola on a double figure lead after the first session of play.

Depiro dragged themselves back in the second period with a Sam Brincat triple but Loyola were on track once more with a 10-2 run and more Grima and Johnson points.

Depiro had their work cut out to get back into the game once more and Steffi De Martino put in more points including a triple.

Loyola were still in control and Johnson saw to it that they went in at the interval still enjoying their previous advantage at 34-24.

After the break, it was Loyola who broke clear when they began with an 8-0 run. They were stopped by an Antoinette Borg triple but Loyola picked up once more this time through Grima and Sammy Jo Barbara.

Depiro came back with a 7-2 run and a Francesca Bianco triple but with a period to go, Loyola were cruising on a solid 52-36 lead.

In the last session it was Depiro, with their free shots at first, but Kirsty Tonna managed a reaction for Loyola keeping her side safely in front despite more Borg free throws for Depiro.

The latter had no hope of making it back and Loyola made it absolutely clear as they stretched their advantage. Bianco netted a second triple but it was just to record the final score.

Depiro:  A. Mifsud, G. Mifsud,  M. Mifsud, 11 S. Brincat, 7 V. Woods, 10 F. Bianco,  T. De Martino, 9 A. Borg,  C. Sammut,  E. Vella, S. Micallef, 12 S. De Martino

Loyola:  4 E. Moore, 27 C. Grima,  J. Doughty,   D. Hollier, 5 K. Tonna, 2 A. Bonanno,  J. Mangion,   Sciberras,  F. Camilleri, 8 SJ Barbara, 20 D. Johnson

Referees: G. Barbara, A. Carbonaro, C. Terribile

Luxol 50

Hibs Melita Gardens 49

(10-10. 14-14, 13-10, 13-15)

This match had a nail biting finish which had the crowd breathless till the end. There was nothing to choose between the two teams but after the break Luxol were making the Paolites do the chasing though only a few points away.

Hibs did tie the score but Luxol never lost their advantage and just held out till the very end despite a strong Hibs onslaught at the end.

The champions presented the same team as in the previous two encounters. The Paolites had Lucienne Bezzina still missing from their line up along with Alexis Cutajar.

Hibs took the first advantage and although Luxol drew level shortly afterwards Hibs went in front once more. The Violets fashioned a suitable reply with an 8-0 run mostly from robin Murphy to forge ahead for the first time.

The Paolites recovered till the end of the session with Lena Gipson points and a last second triple for a drawn score.

It was Hibs who began the second period with a good 10-2 run with Maria Desira and Gipson points. Luxol managed to make up a reply with a 7-0 run which put them just a point away from their opponents.

The Paolites twice opened up their advantage further but another last second trey this time from Sarah Pace had both sides on level terms again at the interval on a 24-24 score.

After the break Luxol had Hibs with their backs to the wall when they put in an 8-2 run with Mandi Sciortino points.

The Paolites recovered with free throws but Murphy kept the champions ahead despite Hibs’ frantic efforts. With a session to go, Luxol had eked out a slight 37-34 lead.

The Violets were still in command at the start as they opened up their advantage once again with more Murphy points. Hibs finally struck back and Gipson was on hand as Hibs crept back to tie the score at 43-43.

Beverlee Zammit promptly drilled in a triple and the champions were ahead again. Murphy’s hoops kept the Paolites just behind twice but it was enough for Luxol to hold their noses in front and progress to the final.

Luxol: 7 S. Pace, 9 M. Sciortino, C. Medina,  B. Naudi,  J. Busuttil Gaerty, 6 G. Zarb, P. Ellul, 21 R. Murphy, 4 D. Muscat,  A. Paul, 3 B. Zammit

Hibs: J. Xerri, 8 E. Cassar,  M. Zammit,  F. Mifsud, 7 M. Desira, K. Gatt,  N. Arrigo, 6  K. Baldacchino, 15  J. Cardona, 13 L. Gipson

Referees: A. Carbonaro, E. Mangani, S. Gouder