Hibs call time on Depiro's four-year reign

Depiro Still 64
Hibs Medsea 69
(12-16, 15-17, 12-23, 25-13)

Hibs Medsea came from behind to win an exciting series and dethrone Depiro Still.

Hibs have now claimed the championship for a record tenth time.

It was also the second honour of the season after their Super Cup victory over the same Depiro.

Hibs were desperate to halt Depiro's stride. The Rabat team had won the championship for the previous four years in succession.

In Game Four on Friday, Hibs started 2-1 down and things did not look bright for them following the injury early on to chief scorer Lucienne Bezzina.

Against all odds, Mario Tabone's girls triumphed on the evening 58-49. The team had battled hard to reach the final after another exhausting semi-final series against Luxol Vodafone but with Bezzina back in the squad for the decider, Hibs looked more determined to achieve their goal.

Depiro were worthy opponents all the way but, perhaps, the lack of experience of some of their upcoming players left its mark when it counted most.

Hibs also recovered playmaker Nadia Mifsud for Sunday's match and the team finished the first session leading 16-12. Depiro hit back as the second got underway. Bezzina, the Hibs captain, was substituted after committing three fouls but the team held on for a 33-27 half-time lead.

The turning point of the match arrived after the interval when Doreen Parnis and young Maria Desira combined perfectly for Hibs who opened a handsome 19-point lead - 46-27.

Depiro coach Charles Bonnici introduced the experienced Rachel Camenzuli and the team pressed full court. The tactic helped to stop the rout. At the end of the third quarter Hibs led 56-39.

Depiro's press posed problems to their opponents. Suddenly, Hibs were unable to pot points and the gap narrowed. Tabone was forced to put in his youngsters as Beverly Zammit and Bezzina were fouled out.

Depiro's hopes of a comeback, however, suffered a setback when they lost top-scorer Dorianne Galea, fouled out.

But, three-pointers from Sarah Pace and baskets by Rosanne Falzon saw Depiro clawing back into contention.

Now, they were three points away - 65-62. Parnis was fouled out with a minute left but Hibs stayed focused and worked their way to championship glory from the free-throw line.

The women's competitions take a break now as the national team prepares for the Commonwealth Games next month.

Depiro: R. Camenzuli, D. Galea 15, G. Zarb 5, R. Falzon 21, A. Sciberras, S. Pace 11, A. Sciberras, J. Cardona 8, L. Camilleri, R. Spiteri 4, T. Camilleri.

Hibs: B. Zammit 11, L. Bezzina 15, F. Tabone, M. Desira 12, D. Parnis 16, A. Darmanin 11, N. Mifsud 2, S. Micallef, M. Cutajar 2.

Refs: B. Vassallo, A. Carbonaro.

Next fixtures:

(MBA Shield - April 8) 2.30 p.m. Kerygma vs SN Suns; 4.15 p.m. Hibs vs Loyola. (April 13) 6.15 p.m. Depiro vs Luxol.