Depiro too strong for Luxol

This promises to be another good year for Depiro Still.

Last week, they consolidated their top position with a comfortable victory over Luxol Vodafone. Loyola are now second after defeating Naxxar and Hibs Medsea returned to victory by trouncing lowly SN Suns.

Much more was expected from Luxol in the top match of the week against the champions. Luxol's aspirations took a nosedive after the initial minutes when ten consecutive points saw Depiro 19-8 ahead.

With Luxol unable to raise their game, Depiro went on to change ends leading 39-22. That was too much for Luxol as Depiro wisely administered their advantage before finishing clear winners 66-46.

Loyola, formed mainly of ex-Qormi players and coach Duncan Cilia, continued with their good showing to secure a third victory, this time against Naxxar who played without the injured Sandra Schembri Wismayer.

Loyola opened strongly and before Naxxar settled down they were already 17-5 in front. Trailing 29-17 at half-time, Naxxar's recovery attempts were frustrated by Loyola who held on for a 55-45 win.

Hibs had little difficulty to beat SN Suns who are finding the going tough. After leading 31-4 at the end of the first quarter, Hibs coach Mario Tabone introduced some of his substitutes. That exercise proved useful as Hibs went on to win 79-34.

Standings: Depiro 8 (4-0), Loyola 7 (3-1), Hibs 6 (2-2), Luxol 5 (2-1), Naxxar 4 (1-2), Kerygma 3 (0-3), SN Suns 3 (0-3).

Top scorers: D. Galea (Depiro) 79, B. Zammit (Hibs) 68, C. Gauci (Loyola) 61, C. Hawkins (Naxxar) 58, A. Darmanin (Hibs) 46.

Friday - 6.15 p.m. Kerygma-Naxxar, 7.45 p.m. Depiro-SN Suns. Sunday - 12.45 p.m. Luxol-Loyola.