Hamrun L. Go Mobile 59
Pembroke TUMAS Gr. 70
(9-29, 13-10, 11-14, 26-17)

A tremendous start to the game practically sealed the issue for Pembroke. A 29-9 score in the Reds' favour after the opening quarter paved the way for them to win the points and occupy the second slot all by themselves.

Pembroke had a field day against Hamrun's 2-3 zone defence at first. When coach Adrian Mifsud decided to switch tactics it was perhaps too late as Pembroke were in absolute command and never allowed their opponents to stage a recovery. It was Hamrun's first upset with pivot Albert Spiteri in the team.

Hamrun sorely missed the services of Jide Jetsen while forward Duncan Cuschieri was missing for Pembroke.

Joe Galea's team took the upperhand from the jumpball and turning the ball around fast they always found a player free for a comfortable three-pointer. Though Hamrun improved after that poor showing in the first session, it was still not enough to trouble Pembroke who led 39-22 at half-time.

Hamrun's efforts were ably controlled by Pembroke and with five minutes to go they were leading 59-44. Here, Spiteri tried one last-ditch attempt for Hamrun who crept closer to eight points but there was little time left for them to stage a complete recovery.

Hamrun: I. Riolo 9, D. Camilleri, A. Spiteri 21, S. Pace 5, K. Borg 2, P. Ferrante 2, A. Costa 10, A. Sultana 10, C. Sultana.

Pembroke: M. Naudi 23, J. Naudi 15, E. Bezzina 2, M. Spiteri 2, O. Said 18, J.P. Azzopardi 4, T. Degiorgio, G. Cassar 6.

Stingers 51
Siggiewi 62
(14-13, 8-16, 15-15, 14-18)

Siggiewi, though shorn of the services of Alan Borg, John Doughty, David Agius and Alan Calleja, were still strong enough to beat Stingers in a decisive match for the remaining slot in the play-offs.

Stingers are now destined to play in the Promotion Pool to secure their berth in the Kinnie League next season.

Young Peter Shoults made his debut for Siggiewi but more was expected from Stingers. Felix Schembri's defence did not function perfectly as they stuck to the same attacking move which brought little results against Siggiewi's 2-3 zone defence.

Stingers made little use of playmaker Chris Sammut who made a a brief appearance with only a few seconds left as his team-mates were fouled out.

Stingers opened better but Siggiewi had a flying start to the second session and went in for the break 29-22 ahead. Stingers had their best moment as the third quarter got underway and forged ahead 35-31.

Here, Siggiewi coach Ray Muscat opted for a time-out and this move worked wonders. Top scorer Adrian Micallef came into the picture and the team held a 44-37 lead before the last session got underway.

Stingers were erratic in their shooting and never in a position to steal away the points from their composed opponents.

Stingers: C. Sammut, E. Xuereb 2, I. Mercieca, L. Camilleri 3, M. Barberi 9, D. Schembri 11, K. Azzopardi, A. Bonnici 4, A. Huizer 2, S. Schembri 20.

Siggiewi: P. Shoults 1, M. Pisani 2, N. Farrugia 14, A. Portelli 1, A. Micallef 22, R. Mifsud 2, S. Cauchi 6, J. Gatt 14.

Standings

Luxol 15; Pembroke 13; Hamrun 12; Siggiewi 11; Stingers 9.

Next fixtures

(Wednesday - BoV KO SFs) 6.15 p.m. Pembroke vs Siggiewi, 7.45 p.m. Hamrun vs Luxol.