Starlites GIG     62     Caffe Moak Luxol     81

(15-16, 8-21, 19-28, 20-16)

Starlites made it two wins in a row, to bypass the third match, and went into the Play Off finals, to be played on a best-of-five basis, against the reigning champions, Hibernians. The first session was a balanced one, with just a point separating the two sides, but a storming start to the second period had Starlites forging forward in determined fashion, to establish a winning margin, which was never relinquished, as Starlites improved on their lead. They only allowed their opponents to creep slightly nearer, towards the end of the match, when everything was already settled, and Starlites were home and dry.  Luxol had Nicole Vella out of the side, and recovered Paula Ellul, who sat out the whole match. Starlites made a couple of changes, from their opening semifinal victory, with Welshwoman, Hayley Acreman, and Hingarian, Fanni fabok, in the side, in lieu of Marilou Cutajar and Adriana Lupo.

Luxol's first points, with Sarah pace also netting a triple, had Starlites answering back, to tie the score. The Violets were again in front, twice more, with Spaniard, Ina Baena, hoops, but Kirsty Galea put in a starlites triple, and Santo Domingan, Geocelis Reynoso, netted a hoop, as their side held a minimum advantage. In the second session Starlites strode forward in earnest, as they swept aside their adversaries, to notch up a heavy 19-0 run, with Spaniard, Patricia Aguello, and Galea treys. Luxol were left trailing, but managed an 8-2 session ending run, with a Kay Poirtelli trey. Still, Starlites were enjoying a solid 37-23 advantage, at the interval.

After the break the points were more plentiful, at either end. Starlites extended their lead, with Geocelis dominant in the paint. There were also more Arguello points, and a late second trey, and also Maria Bonett points. The Violets had Baena and Portelli triples, with American, Alexis Dillard, enhancing her points total. At the start of the last session Starlites were 65-42 ahead. The last session was a formality, with Starlites in a commanding advantage. Baena and galea netted treys for their respective sides, with Starlites increasing their lead for the last time. Luxol had a good ending to the match, in their minutes of the season, making a good 13-3 run, and Monique Caruana nailing a late trey. Starlites will now begin to prepare for their forthcoming final games, against Hibs.

Luxol: S. Pace 7, B. Zammit, I. Baena 19, N. Vella, S. Vella 2, K. Portelli 10, A. Borg, P. Ellul, M. Caruana 3, L. Caruana Montaldo, C. Mifsud, A. Dillard 19

Starlites: M. Zammit Cordina 5, K. Galea 13, M. Riolo, S. Farrugia, M. Bonett 7, G. Reynoso 18, C. Curmi 12, J. Grima 9, P. Arguello 17, H. Acreman, S. Davies, F. Fabok

Referees: B. Vassallo, K. Dworniczak, D. Torok