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Gatorade Men's 1 Div. League
Dakar Sliema 79 Depiro 58
(14-18)(20-10)(20-12)(25-18)
Sliema went back to the top of the standings, after being given a hectic time by the lively Depiro outfit. At the end Sliema tamed their opponents down, for a double. Depiro's good opening didn't serve them enough, and their change of players on court helped the Wanderers to recover lost ground, and then stretch their advantage enough, to make certain of the result, well before the end of the match, notwithstanding the state of their team. Coach, Joe Galea, returned to the Sliema bench, after his long, two month suspension. Matthew Zammit also returned, for the first time this season. Omar Said is suspended, Tino Riolo is abroad and Etienne Bezzina was only a spectator. Two youngsters were included, Terence Vella and Andrew Southward. Silvio cassar's points for Sliema gave them an early lead, but Depiro, fast in their play, troubled Sliema, in their depleted state, and a 9-0 run gave them a 13-6 lead. Sliema's reaction was still through Cassar, but Depiro held on to their lead, despite two late bursts, as Sliema came near again, forgetting their leisurely start. In the second quarter Sliema didn't take long to overhaul Depiro, but the latter came back, to draw level twice. Sliema persisted, and Adrian Micallef put them in front once more. Antoine Costa sank a trey for Depiro. A 7-0 Sliema run gave them enough of a lead, to carry them through to the end of the session. Depiro made free shots, to draw nearer, and at the interval Sliema led 34-28. After the break Sliema's Jonathan Zammit sank a trey, as a 9-4 run pushed the Wanderers further in front. Depiro rallied, with Roderick Vell's points, including a trey, but Sliema had the better ending to the session, and anothe rtrey, this time by Duncan Cuschieri, helped his side to a 7-2 run. A 54-40 lead favoured Sliema after three sessions. In the final quarter Depiro's free shots started them hoping again, but Sliema kept them at arms' length for most of the session, on a double figure lead. With Depiro intent on attack they were hit by a Sliema 7-0 run, which closed down the match, minutes before the end. Both teams then played an open game, as Sliema's youngsters went on court.
SLIEMA: 6 M. Naudi, 7 J. Zammit, 10 M. zammit, 4 J. Galea, T. vella, 21 A. Micallef, 5 D. Cuschieri, A. Southward, 26 . cassar, J. Gatt
DEPIRO: 19 R. Vella, 7 C. Cassar, M. ammut, 1 G. Muscat, 2 A. Aquilina, 5 A. Tabone, 4 M. Mallia, B. Zammit, 5 E. Lupo, 9 A. Costa, I. tanti, 6 D. Agius REFEREES: Emanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef, Jean Paul Sammut
Siggiewi Smina 85 Floriana 45
(24-8)(16-16)(21-14)(24-7)
Siggiewi had no difficulty, just like four days ago, against the same opponents, but in a different competition. This time Siggiewi jumped back to the top of the table. They took the opportunity to give their bench players a good run on court, and they were still good enough to procure a handsome win. They made two good breaks, which frustrated Floriana, in their quest to get an appreciable result. Siggiewi still had three players on the injured list and JP Azzopardi was also absent.They included their two youngsters once more, along with the returning Steve Sammut, who had a good game against Floriana, on Wednesday, in the Louis Borg Cup. Peter Shoults returned after his one game suspension. Floriana had Gareth Gilson missing, but Karl Borg turned out for the first time in a green jersey, after his long suspension, from last season. Floriana made a spirited opening, grabbing a couple of hoops, but Siggiewi were more than ready, and started off with a Peter Shoults trey, and then an 8-0 run, ending with a Steve Sammut trey. This was snapped by a Noel Falzon hoop for the Greens. Siggiewi kept pressing on, and a spate of free shots, from JP Bonnici and Louis Camilleri, prodused another 8-0 run. Floriana were hit again at the end of the session, as Siggiewi broke clear. Matthew Shoults sank a trey for Siggiewi in the second quarter, but Noel Falzon's fast breaks picked Floriana up. Siggiewi had bench players on court, and they combined well for a 9-2 run, but then they became too casual, and Floriana profited, with Don Ross and Bernardo Riolo grabbing points, in an 8-0 run, stopped in the closing stages with an Addison Bonnici hoop. At the interval Siggiewi were leading 40-24. After the break Sigiewi took command again, and an 8-2 run started them off. Don Ross was given space, and he obliged with a number of hoops, although the Greens were still way behind. His last effort was a trey, as Siggiewi were rotating their players. After three sessions it was a 61-38 score. In the final quarter Floriana replied to Siggiewi's first thrusts, but then they began to feel the pressure. The league leaders built up a break, going on to a good 17-0 score, and two Peter Shoults treys. Their superiority continued on, as their large lead was still there, at the end of the match.
SIGGIEWI: 2 D. Gilson, 10 L. Camilleri, 2 S. Sammut, J. Doughty, 12 A. Portelli, 14 P. Shoults, 15 JP Bonnici, 16 A. Bonnici. 5 M. Shoults, L. Grech, 5 E. Xuereb FLORIANA: R. Spiteri, 6 N. Falzon, J. Paris, A. Sultana, 8 B. Riolo, V. Torbarov, 7 K. Borg, 2 R. Mifsud, 2 G. Gauci Grech, 19 D. Ross
REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut
Qormi Kia 55 Bupa Luxol 98
(8-35)(13-25)(24-20)(10-18)
Luxol started the second round with a convincing win over Qormi, registering a double over them. Qormi were denied a second consecutive victory in a row as Luxol momentarily surpassed the two league leaders,with an extra match played. Luxol were in a class of their own for most of the game. Qormi had their tall players, Antoine Grech and Jason Dalli, both missing for this match. Alex Bianchi made a return to the Luxol ranks, after a long absence from the game, going back to two seasons ago. Qormi were on the receiving end from the start, as the Violets ran up a 9-0 break, before Keith Scicluna could open Qormi's account. Luxol kept up the pressure, and Steve Schembri and Robert Azzopardi, the latter with a trey, carved open the Qormi defence, with help also coming from Jide Jetson. It was still Scicluna for Qormi, as they fell way behind from the first quarter. Qormi had a bright spell at the start of the second session, with a 9-1 run. Luxol were stung into action, and a better 12-1 run at the other end restored the Violets' large lead.Qormi couldn't muster a decent reply, and Luxol went on another, good, 12-2 break, this time with treys by Steve Schembri and Alan Borg. At the interval Luxol were already home and dry, on a 60-21 advantage. After the break Marco Mercieca was snapping up all the assists from his team, but Qormi were able to offer up a good reply, as Adrian Baldacchino's points and Simon Cauchi's trey, helped them to share the play. The parity in this part of the match continued till the end of the quarter, as carlos Bugeja also sank a trey for Qormi. After three sessions, and a high-scoring quarter, it was 80-45 for Luxol. In the final session, and with the game out of their reach, Qormi gave their youngsters a try out. Luxol didn't press so hard, and they failed most of their shots. Steve Schembri sank his third trey, and Bianchi made his first seasonal hoop. The Violets then made a late bid for a second consecutive century, but left it just too late. At the very end Reuben Baldacchino put in a long trey to close down the match.
QORMI: 6 W. Grixti, 18 K. Scicluna, J. Anastasi, 2 A. Camilleri, J. Micallef, 8 R. Formosa, 5 R. Baldacchino, 3 C. Bugeja, 5 S. Cauchi, 8 A. Baldacchino
LUXOL: 4 C. Sammut, 18 M. Mercieca, 7 R. Azzopardi, M. Micallef, 7 A. Borg, 4 A. Bianchi, C. Pulis, R. Dalli, 22 D. Schembri, E. Caruana Montaldo, 10 J. Jetson, 26 S. Schembri
REFEREES: Gordon Barbara, Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro
Men's 2 Div. League
Mellieha SVS 63 Loyola Xuereb Installations 56
(19-15)(14-17)(16-16)(14-8)
Mellieha were meeting Loyola for the fifth time this season, and they avenged their K.O. defeat, their only loss so far this season. It was a close game, and Loyola had their moments, but Mellieha kept their unbeaten League run, and showed their consistency this season, apart from the blemish of the K. O. defeat. Saviour Magro and Matthew Cauchi were still missing for Mellieha, and Paul Magro was included again in the side. For Loyola the absent players were Keith Galea and Clive Bonnici, but Jean Falzon and Joe Vassallo returned to the team, after missing a number of matches. Robert Loporto was an inspiration for Mellieha at the start, beginning with a trey, and then netting consistently from the side. Mellieha didn't have it all their own way, as Loyola, although in arrears, had Trevor Grech sinking a trey, and then Joe Vella grabbing a couple more. That made it a one-point game, but Mellieha had Joshua aquilina with a three-point play. to extend their lead again. After Mellieha had gone further ahead in the second quarter, Loyola staged a hefty reaction, closing shop on Mellieha, and piling up a good 14-0 run, with a Clayton Agius trey. Mellieha took time to recover, and Julian Naudi relied on his experience, to drag his team back to within a point. Patrick Lentini for Loyola and Ian Terribile for Mellieha then made treys in the space of a few seconds, and it was Samuel Aquilina, with his hoop in the last few moments, to give Mellieha a slim 33-32 lead at the interval. After the break Mellieha seemed set to forge further ahead, but Joe Vella's hoops and Trevor Grech's second trey, produced an 11-3 run, for a 45-40 Loyola advantage. It was Julian Naudi once more to Mellieha's rescue, with his trey in a 7-0 run, which restored Mellieha's lead. Near the end of the quarter the lead changed hands twice. with Mellieha just in front, at 49-48, after three sessions. Points were scarce in the last quarter, as Loyola lost a brief lead, after a Terribile trey, and then Naudi came up trumps once more, for a 7-0 run. Jos Vassallo's free throws brought Loyola back, to just a point down. Mellieha recovered to a better lead, and with time fast running out, they could hold out, and extend their unbeaten league run.
MELLIEHA: 20 Julian Naudi, 13 Robert Loproto
LOYOLA: 12 Joe Vella, 12 Jonathan Ransley, 11 Trevor Grech
REFEREES: Jean Paul Sammut, Alfred Carbonaro
Peugeot Women's League
Kerygma 36 Hibs Medsea 90
(1-25)(11-31)(13-11)(11-23)
Hibs took a stranglehold on the match from the very start, as they swept Kerygma aside, in a one-sided game. Treys were plentiful for the champions, as they stormed through their opponents' defence. Kertgma had Elaine Cutajar in fine form, as she posed the biggest threat to the Paolites' rearguard, but kerygma were badly hit throughout the match. Hibs keep sailing on, as they made their seventh straight league victory. In the first session Hibs made a no-nonsense start, pinning Kerygma down, and forcing a 14-0 run, with a Beverlee zammit trey. Kerygma were allowed a single Renette Debono free shot. before the Paolites took over again, and another 11-0 run, with a repeat Bev Zammit trey, as Hibs had already gone clear, after only one quarter. The champions put in some of their bench players in the second session, but they were still points hungry, and a three-trey blitz, ina 10-0 run, by Bev Zammit yet again and a couple from Francesca Bianco, left Kerygma chasing shadows. Hibs kept on putting hoops in, as Maria Desira concluded well inside the paint. Kerygma finally found a way to the basket, and Cutajar led the way. At the halfway mark the Paolites had a massive 56-12 advantage. After the break Hibs started off again, with a 9-0 run, as Zammit sank her fourth trey, but this time Kerygma had a ready answer. Two quick treys, by Elaine Cutajar and Renette Debono, in a long 13-2 run, held Hibs off till the end of the quarter, and made it a 67-25 score, as the champions failed to find their mark in the only opaque moment of their game. In the final quarter Doreen Parnis and Bev Zammit, the latter with her last trey, made a 9-0 run for Hibs. Cutajar sank free throws for Kerygma, before Maria Desira began to pile them in again for the champions. Agnetha Agius put in points for Kerygma in a brief spell, before the end of the match, as Hibs continued to show their strong hold at the top of the standings.
KERYGMA: 15 Elaine Cutajar
HIBS: 25 Beverlee Zammit, 22 Maria Desira, 12 Doreen parnis, 11 Francesca Bianco
REFEREES: Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut
Loyola Xuereb Installations 67 SN Suns JC 22
(16-8)(17-6)(25-4)(9-4)
Loyola had no hassle to record their third seasonal win over Suns. Loyola are in the top half of the table, and their victory over Luxol, earleir on in the season, gave them enough confidence for the rest of the league programme. Suns' Diane Falzon went into double figures scoring for her side, the second time a Suns player has done so. Loyola were missing Sammy Jo Barbara and Fiona Micallef. Suns were without Lisa Pace. There was a balanced start to the match, as Loyola twice went in front, but Suns went ahead, with a Diane Falzon trey. Loyola then got the upper hand, and a long run, resulting in a good 13-2 break, with an Ann Camilleri trey, gave Loyola a useful lead. Falzon put in a couple of free throws for Suns, at the end of the session. In the second quarter Loyola were still in command, but Suns managed to pierce their opponents' zone twice, in a 4-8 score. Schembri Wismayer's entry on court spelt danger for Suns, as her points, ina 9-0 run, took her team out of Suns' reach, although Petra Zammit put in another hoop at the end. At the interval Loyola were 33-14 ahead. After the break Suns were still on the receiving end. A 10-2 run for Loyola, at the start, from Abigail Azzopardi and Schembri wismayer, began Loyola's dominance. Petra Zammit again obtained Suns' points, but Loyola had a good ending to the session, with a 15-0 run, for a 58-18 score, with a session to go. Diane Falzon upped her personal scpre tally, with two hoops, in the final quarter, as Loyola took some time to get into their stride again. It was Adalia Bonanno to start them off, in a 9-0 run, but the scoring died away till the end of the amtch, despite numerous attempts at both ends.
LOYOLA: 14 carina Gauci, 11 Sandra Schembri Wismayer, 10 Adalia Bonanno SUNS: 13 Diane Falzon
REFEREES: Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro
Depiro 62 Luxol 47
(13-15)(17-10)(14-8)(18-14)
Depiro met Luxol three times this season, and they always emerged winners. The Violets were in the game till the halfway mark, but then fell away, as Depiro, ably led by Sarah Pace, went clear of their opponents, to post a comfortable victory. Luxol are sharing fourth place, but onlt three teams will go into the championship pool. Depiro were without Abigail Muscat, and included young Nathalie Galea. They also had Rhian Spiteri back, after a long lay off. Luxol are still awaiting the return of Kirsten Micallef, from Australia. Depiro made an impressive start, as Sarah Pace led her side into a 13-4 run, also netting a trey. Then Depiro's fury faded away, and Luxol came into the picture. Mandy Sciortino got them off with her trey, and they managed to string together a run of 14 points, to take a good lead at the end of the quarter. In the second session Depiro tied the score twice, the first time with a sarah Pace trey. Luxol went back in the lead, but Depiro swung the ball around confidently, and an 8-0 run ensured them a lead till the interval, as both sides sank a hoop each. Score at 30-25. After the break Depiro sere off with a Rachel Camilleri trey, but Luxol had a reply, to keep in touch. The Violets couldn't keep up the pressure, and Depiro's free throws were enough for them to build a good lead. Luxol recovered a little, but at the end of the quarter Depiro were still leading 44-33. In the final session Depiro made sure of the result, with an 8-2 opening run. Luxol staged a rally, but they only succeeded to cut down on their deficit, and they also lost three players on fouls. Depiro could stroll through the latter part of the session, always having a good lead to fall on. DEPIRO: 23 Sarah Pace, 12 Rachel Camilleri
LUXOL: 14 Justine Mangion, 12 Lara Chetcuti
REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Jennifer Mangani
Dakar Sliema 79 Depiro 58
(14-18)(20-10)(20-12)(25-18)
Sliema went back to the top of the standings, after being given a hectic time by the lively Depiro outfit. At the end Sliema tamed their opponents down, for a double. Depiro's good opening didn't serve them enough, and their change of players on court helped the Wanderers to recover lost ground, and then stretch their advantage enough, to make certain of the result, well before the end of the match, notwithstanding the state of their team. Coach, Joe Galea, returned to the Sliema bench, after his long, two month suspension. Matthew Zammit also returned, for the first time this season. Omar Said is suspended, Tino Riolo is abroad and Etienne Bezzina was only a spectator. Two youngsters were included, Terence Vella and Andrew Southward. Silvio cassar's points for Sliema gave them an early lead, but Depiro, fast in their play, troubled Sliema, in their depleted state, and a 9-0 run gave them a 13-6 lead. Sliema's reaction was still through Cassar, but Depiro held on to their lead, despite two late bursts, as Sliema came near again, forgetting their leisurely start. In the second quarter Sliema didn't take long to overhaul Depiro, but the latter came back, to draw level twice. Sliema persisted, and Adrian Micallef put them in front once more. Antoine Costa sank a trey for Depiro. A 7-0 Sliema run gave them enough of a lead, to carry them through to the end of the session. Depiro made free shots, to draw nearer, and at the interval Sliema led 34-28. After the break Sliema's Jonathan Zammit sank a trey, as a 9-4 run pushed the Wanderers further in front. Depiro rallied, with Roderick Vell's points, including a trey, but Sliema had the better ending to the session, and anothe rtrey, this time by Duncan Cuschieri, helped his side to a 7-2 run. A 54-40 lead favoured Sliema after three sessions. In the final quarter Depiro's free shots started them hoping again, but Sliema kept them at arms' length for most of the session, on a double figure lead. With Depiro intent on attack they were hit by a Sliema 7-0 run, which closed down the match, minutes before the end. Both teams then played an open game, as Sliema's youngsters went on court.
SLIEMA: 6 M. Naudi, 7 J. Zammit, 10 M. zammit, 4 J. Galea, T. vella, 21 A. Micallef, 5 D. Cuschieri, A. Southward, 26 . cassar, J. Gatt
DEPIRO: 19 R. Vella, 7 C. Cassar, M. ammut, 1 G. Muscat, 2 A. Aquilina, 5 A. Tabone, 4 M. Mallia, B. Zammit, 5 E. Lupo, 9 A. Costa, I. tanti, 6 D. Agius REFEREES: Emanuel Mangani, Stephen Micallef, Jean Paul Sammut
Siggiewi Smina 85 Floriana 45
(24-8)(16-16)(21-14)(24-7)
Siggiewi had no difficulty, just like four days ago, against the same opponents, but in a different competition. This time Siggiewi jumped back to the top of the table. They took the opportunity to give their bench players a good run on court, and they were still good enough to procure a handsome win. They made two good breaks, which frustrated Floriana, in their quest to get an appreciable result. Siggiewi still had three players on the injured list and JP Azzopardi was also absent.They included their two youngsters once more, along with the returning Steve Sammut, who had a good game against Floriana, on Wednesday, in the Louis Borg Cup. Peter Shoults returned after his one game suspension. Floriana had Gareth Gilson missing, but Karl Borg turned out for the first time in a green jersey, after his long suspension, from last season. Floriana made a spirited opening, grabbing a couple of hoops, but Siggiewi were more than ready, and started off with a Peter Shoults trey, and then an 8-0 run, ending with a Steve Sammut trey. This was snapped by a Noel Falzon hoop for the Greens. Siggiewi kept pressing on, and a spate of free shots, from JP Bonnici and Louis Camilleri, prodused another 8-0 run. Floriana were hit again at the end of the session, as Siggiewi broke clear. Matthew Shoults sank a trey for Siggiewi in the second quarter, but Noel Falzon's fast breaks picked Floriana up. Siggiewi had bench players on court, and they combined well for a 9-2 run, but then they became too casual, and Floriana profited, with Don Ross and Bernardo Riolo grabbing points, in an 8-0 run, stopped in the closing stages with an Addison Bonnici hoop. At the interval Siggiewi were leading 40-24. After the break Sigiewi took command again, and an 8-2 run started them off. Don Ross was given space, and he obliged with a number of hoops, although the Greens were still way behind. His last effort was a trey, as Siggiewi were rotating their players. After three sessions it was a 61-38 score. In the final quarter Floriana replied to Siggiewi's first thrusts, but then they began to feel the pressure. The league leaders built up a break, going on to a good 17-0 score, and two Peter Shoults treys. Their superiority continued on, as their large lead was still there, at the end of the match.
SIGGIEWI: 2 D. Gilson, 10 L. Camilleri, 2 S. Sammut, J. Doughty, 12 A. Portelli, 14 P. Shoults, 15 JP Bonnici, 16 A. Bonnici. 5 M. Shoults, L. Grech, 5 E. Xuereb FLORIANA: R. Spiteri, 6 N. Falzon, J. Paris, A. Sultana, 8 B. Riolo, V. Torbarov, 7 K. Borg, 2 R. Mifsud, 2 G. Gauci Grech, 19 D. Ross
REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut
Qormi Kia 55 Bupa Luxol 98
(8-35)(13-25)(24-20)(10-18)
Luxol started the second round with a convincing win over Qormi, registering a double over them. Qormi were denied a second consecutive victory in a row as Luxol momentarily surpassed the two league leaders,with an extra match played. Luxol were in a class of their own for most of the game. Qormi had their tall players, Antoine Grech and Jason Dalli, both missing for this match. Alex Bianchi made a return to the Luxol ranks, after a long absence from the game, going back to two seasons ago. Qormi were on the receiving end from the start, as the Violets ran up a 9-0 break, before Keith Scicluna could open Qormi's account. Luxol kept up the pressure, and Steve Schembri and Robert Azzopardi, the latter with a trey, carved open the Qormi defence, with help also coming from Jide Jetson. It was still Scicluna for Qormi, as they fell way behind from the first quarter. Qormi had a bright spell at the start of the second session, with a 9-1 run. Luxol were stung into action, and a better 12-1 run at the other end restored the Violets' large lead.Qormi couldn't muster a decent reply, and Luxol went on another, good, 12-2 break, this time with treys by Steve Schembri and Alan Borg. At the interval Luxol were already home and dry, on a 60-21 advantage. After the break Marco Mercieca was snapping up all the assists from his team, but Qormi were able to offer up a good reply, as Adrian Baldacchino's points and Simon Cauchi's trey, helped them to share the play. The parity in this part of the match continued till the end of the quarter, as carlos Bugeja also sank a trey for Qormi. After three sessions, and a high-scoring quarter, it was 80-45 for Luxol. In the final session, and with the game out of their reach, Qormi gave their youngsters a try out. Luxol didn't press so hard, and they failed most of their shots. Steve Schembri sank his third trey, and Bianchi made his first seasonal hoop. The Violets then made a late bid for a second consecutive century, but left it just too late. At the very end Reuben Baldacchino put in a long trey to close down the match.
QORMI: 6 W. Grixti, 18 K. Scicluna, J. Anastasi, 2 A. Camilleri, J. Micallef, 8 R. Formosa, 5 R. Baldacchino, 3 C. Bugeja, 5 S. Cauchi, 8 A. Baldacchino
LUXOL: 4 C. Sammut, 18 M. Mercieca, 7 R. Azzopardi, M. Micallef, 7 A. Borg, 4 A. Bianchi, C. Pulis, R. Dalli, 22 D. Schembri, E. Caruana Montaldo, 10 J. Jetson, 26 S. Schembri
REFEREES: Gordon Barbara, Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro
Men's 2 Div. League
Mellieha SVS 63 Loyola Xuereb Installations 56
(19-15)(14-17)(16-16)(14-8)
Mellieha were meeting Loyola for the fifth time this season, and they avenged their K.O. defeat, their only loss so far this season. It was a close game, and Loyola had their moments, but Mellieha kept their unbeaten League run, and showed their consistency this season, apart from the blemish of the K. O. defeat. Saviour Magro and Matthew Cauchi were still missing for Mellieha, and Paul Magro was included again in the side. For Loyola the absent players were Keith Galea and Clive Bonnici, but Jean Falzon and Joe Vassallo returned to the team, after missing a number of matches. Robert Loporto was an inspiration for Mellieha at the start, beginning with a trey, and then netting consistently from the side. Mellieha didn't have it all their own way, as Loyola, although in arrears, had Trevor Grech sinking a trey, and then Joe Vella grabbing a couple more. That made it a one-point game, but Mellieha had Joshua aquilina with a three-point play. to extend their lead again. After Mellieha had gone further ahead in the second quarter, Loyola staged a hefty reaction, closing shop on Mellieha, and piling up a good 14-0 run, with a Clayton Agius trey. Mellieha took time to recover, and Julian Naudi relied on his experience, to drag his team back to within a point. Patrick Lentini for Loyola and Ian Terribile for Mellieha then made treys in the space of a few seconds, and it was Samuel Aquilina, with his hoop in the last few moments, to give Mellieha a slim 33-32 lead at the interval. After the break Mellieha seemed set to forge further ahead, but Joe Vella's hoops and Trevor Grech's second trey, produced an 11-3 run, for a 45-40 Loyola advantage. It was Julian Naudi once more to Mellieha's rescue, with his trey in a 7-0 run, which restored Mellieha's lead. Near the end of the quarter the lead changed hands twice. with Mellieha just in front, at 49-48, after three sessions. Points were scarce in the last quarter, as Loyola lost a brief lead, after a Terribile trey, and then Naudi came up trumps once more, for a 7-0 run. Jos Vassallo's free throws brought Loyola back, to just a point down. Mellieha recovered to a better lead, and with time fast running out, they could hold out, and extend their unbeaten league run.
MELLIEHA: 20 Julian Naudi, 13 Robert Loproto
LOYOLA: 12 Joe Vella, 12 Jonathan Ransley, 11 Trevor Grech
REFEREES: Jean Paul Sammut, Alfred Carbonaro
Peugeot Women's League
Kerygma 36 Hibs Medsea 90
(1-25)(11-31)(13-11)(11-23)
Hibs took a stranglehold on the match from the very start, as they swept Kerygma aside, in a one-sided game. Treys were plentiful for the champions, as they stormed through their opponents' defence. Kertgma had Elaine Cutajar in fine form, as she posed the biggest threat to the Paolites' rearguard, but kerygma were badly hit throughout the match. Hibs keep sailing on, as they made their seventh straight league victory. In the first session Hibs made a no-nonsense start, pinning Kerygma down, and forcing a 14-0 run, with a Beverlee zammit trey. Kerygma were allowed a single Renette Debono free shot. before the Paolites took over again, and another 11-0 run, with a repeat Bev Zammit trey, as Hibs had already gone clear, after only one quarter. The champions put in some of their bench players in the second session, but they were still points hungry, and a three-trey blitz, ina 10-0 run, by Bev Zammit yet again and a couple from Francesca Bianco, left Kerygma chasing shadows. Hibs kept on putting hoops in, as Maria Desira concluded well inside the paint. Kerygma finally found a way to the basket, and Cutajar led the way. At the halfway mark the Paolites had a massive 56-12 advantage. After the break Hibs started off again, with a 9-0 run, as Zammit sank her fourth trey, but this time Kerygma had a ready answer. Two quick treys, by Elaine Cutajar and Renette Debono, in a long 13-2 run, held Hibs off till the end of the quarter, and made it a 67-25 score, as the champions failed to find their mark in the only opaque moment of their game. In the final quarter Doreen Parnis and Bev Zammit, the latter with her last trey, made a 9-0 run for Hibs. Cutajar sank free throws for Kerygma, before Maria Desira began to pile them in again for the champions. Agnetha Agius put in points for Kerygma in a brief spell, before the end of the match, as Hibs continued to show their strong hold at the top of the standings.
KERYGMA: 15 Elaine Cutajar
HIBS: 25 Beverlee Zammit, 22 Maria Desira, 12 Doreen parnis, 11 Francesca Bianco
REFEREES: Emanuel Mangani, Jean Paul Sammut
Loyola Xuereb Installations 67 SN Suns JC 22
(16-8)(17-6)(25-4)(9-4)
Loyola had no hassle to record their third seasonal win over Suns. Loyola are in the top half of the table, and their victory over Luxol, earleir on in the season, gave them enough confidence for the rest of the league programme. Suns' Diane Falzon went into double figures scoring for her side, the second time a Suns player has done so. Loyola were missing Sammy Jo Barbara and Fiona Micallef. Suns were without Lisa Pace. There was a balanced start to the match, as Loyola twice went in front, but Suns went ahead, with a Diane Falzon trey. Loyola then got the upper hand, and a long run, resulting in a good 13-2 break, with an Ann Camilleri trey, gave Loyola a useful lead. Falzon put in a couple of free throws for Suns, at the end of the session. In the second quarter Loyola were still in command, but Suns managed to pierce their opponents' zone twice, in a 4-8 score. Schembri Wismayer's entry on court spelt danger for Suns, as her points, ina 9-0 run, took her team out of Suns' reach, although Petra Zammit put in another hoop at the end. At the interval Loyola were 33-14 ahead. After the break Suns were still on the receiving end. A 10-2 run for Loyola, at the start, from Abigail Azzopardi and Schembri wismayer, began Loyola's dominance. Petra Zammit again obtained Suns' points, but Loyola had a good ending to the session, with a 15-0 run, for a 58-18 score, with a session to go. Diane Falzon upped her personal scpre tally, with two hoops, in the final quarter, as Loyola took some time to get into their stride again. It was Adalia Bonanno to start them off, in a 9-0 run, but the scoring died away till the end of the amtch, despite numerous attempts at both ends.
LOYOLA: 14 carina Gauci, 11 Sandra Schembri Wismayer, 10 Adalia Bonanno SUNS: 13 Diane Falzon
REFEREES: Stephen Micallef, Alfred Carbonaro
Depiro 62 Luxol 47
(13-15)(17-10)(14-8)(18-14)
Depiro met Luxol three times this season, and they always emerged winners. The Violets were in the game till the halfway mark, but then fell away, as Depiro, ably led by Sarah Pace, went clear of their opponents, to post a comfortable victory. Luxol are sharing fourth place, but onlt three teams will go into the championship pool. Depiro were without Abigail Muscat, and included young Nathalie Galea. They also had Rhian Spiteri back, after a long lay off. Luxol are still awaiting the return of Kirsten Micallef, from Australia. Depiro made an impressive start, as Sarah Pace led her side into a 13-4 run, also netting a trey. Then Depiro's fury faded away, and Luxol came into the picture. Mandy Sciortino got them off with her trey, and they managed to string together a run of 14 points, to take a good lead at the end of the quarter. In the second session Depiro tied the score twice, the first time with a sarah Pace trey. Luxol went back in the lead, but Depiro swung the ball around confidently, and an 8-0 run ensured them a lead till the interval, as both sides sank a hoop each. Score at 30-25. After the break Depiro sere off with a Rachel Camilleri trey, but Luxol had a reply, to keep in touch. The Violets couldn't keep up the pressure, and Depiro's free throws were enough for them to build a good lead. Luxol recovered a little, but at the end of the quarter Depiro were still leading 44-33. In the final session Depiro made sure of the result, with an 8-2 opening run. Luxol staged a rally, but they only succeeded to cut down on their deficit, and they also lost three players on fouls. Depiro could stroll through the latter part of the session, always having a good lead to fall on. DEPIRO: 23 Sarah Pace, 12 Rachel Camilleri
LUXOL: 14 Justine Mangion, 12 Lara Chetcuti
REFEREES: Bernard Vassallo, Jennifer Mangani
