Pembroke down Luxol in final flurry

Bupa Luxol 62
Pembroke 67
(29-17, 8-17, 15-18, 10-15)

On Sunday, Pembroke inflicted the first league defeat on Luxol who failed to maintain their promising start. Pembroke played consistently well to chalk up their second victory.

With both sides at full strength, it was Luxol who seized the early initiative through an inspired Derek Schembri. Michael Naudi committed three fouls in the first seven minutes. He was withdrawn and Luxol went on to open a 29-17 lead by the end of the quarter.

With both sides erratic in their play, Luxol hung on to their lead after the first five minutes - 33-21.

Here, Pembroke coach Joe Galea re-introduced Naudi on court. The move worked as Pembroke were now a transformed side. Steve Schembri was unable to stop Naudi and only three points separated the two sides at half-time - 37-34 for Luxol.

Pembroke continued to be the better side in the third session as they forged ahead 45-39. After a time-out, Luxol came back to level at the end of the session, 52-all.

All was set for an exciting finale. Luxol kept their momentum going to open a slight gap 58-52. They held on but trouble struck with three minutes to go when John Tabone's men suddenly lost their touch. Pembroke stayed calm and potted the last 11 points for a hard-earned victory.

Luxol: C. Sammut 6, M. Mercieca 6, R. Azzopardi 6, M. Micallef, N. Petroni, C. Pulis, R. Dalli, D. Schembri 16, E. Caruana Montalto, S. Cassar 13, S. Schembri 15.

Pembroke: M. Naudi 28, J. Zammit, N. Lubrano, E. Bezzina 7, J. Galea, T. Riolo 6, C. Calleja, A. Micallef 3, D. Cuschieri 7, K. Baldacchino 7, J. Gatt 9.

Refs: E. Mangani, G. Barbara.

Siggiewi Smina 52
Hamrun Go Mobile 53
(13-21, 23-7, 4-13, 12-12)

Champions Hamrun came from behind to snatch victory in the dying moments of the match.

Siggiewi only have themselves to blame for not winning this match. With nearly a minute left they held a five-point lead. Hamrun, who played their worst game so far, looked down and out at that point but staged a dramatic rally to avoid defeat in the nick of time.

Hamrun felt the absence of Albert Spiteri. Steve Pace and David Camilleri were not in top form as well.

Siggiewi had a usual slow start but soon started to play better and with Hamrun hitting a dark patch they went on to take a 36-28 half-time lead.

Siggiewi, however, lost their rhythm after the interval... perhaps due to over-enthusiasm to add to their lead. Hamrun regrouped and before the last 10 minutes got underway, the champions led 41-40.

Siggiewi were not finished though as Hamrun fumbled a number of chances, particularly from the free-throw line. Alex Farrugia's team eased in front but, strangely enough, they lacked confidence at the most crucial stages of the game.

Leading 52-47, Siggiewi allowed Jide Jetsen and Addison Bonnici to recover rebounds before potting the points that mattered for Hamrun to enter the Christmas break in high spirits.

Siggiewi: R. Mifsud 6, S. Sammut 14, L. Camilleri, J. Doughty 3, H. Agius, M. Barberi, P. Schultz 19, J.P. Bonnici 1, S. Saakian 5, A. Huizer 4, E. Xuereb.

Hamrun: S. Pace, K. Borg 5, D. Camilleri, A. Borg 15, A. Portelli 5, J. Jetsen 17, A. Bonnici 11, N. Falzon.

Refs: B. Vassallo, J.P. Sammut.

Standings: Pembroke 5 (2-1); Hamrun 4 (2-0); Luxol 3 (1-1); Depiro 3 (1-1); Siggiewi 3 (0-3).

Next fixtures: (January 8) 2.30 p.m. Depiro vs Siggiewi; 4.15 p.m. Hamrun vs Luxol.

Top scorers: S. Sammut (Siggiewi) 52; M. Naudi (Pembroke) 50; S. Cassar (Luxol), R. Vella (Depiro) 38.