Champions Hibs off to flying start

The 2008-09 Peugeot League started last weekend with reigning champions Hibs Medsea achieving a crushing victory over rivals Depiro. Luxol and Honey Athleta had the better of St James Hospital and Empire Cinema Stunners respectively.

Hibs launched their title defence bid in style as rebounder Joselle Cardona haunted her former team to finish as the match top-scorer with 24 points.

Depiro were only in contention in the opening minutes but Hibs gradually began to dictate matters to open a 27-7 lead in the early minutes of the second quarter. Hibs went on to change ends 34-15 ahead.

With Depiro unable to put any pressure on their opponents, Hibs cruised to a commanding 72-34 victory.

Luxol made it two wins on the trot against St James Hospital. It was St James that took an early lead with Luxol just forging ahead at the end of the initial quarter, 9-8.

St James regained the lead as the second session got underway, 13-11, only for Luxol to come back and change ends 23-19 ahead.

After St James potted the first basket in the third quarter, Luxol hit a good patch to score 14 points without reply, 37-21. As St James's reaction failed to materialise, Luxol continued to dominate and finished 62-43 winners.

In the weekend's opening match, Athleta beat Stunners 46-35. After notching the first five points of the game, Athleta never looked back but Stunners managed to stay in contention until the interval, 20-16.

It was towards the end of the third quarter that Athleta began to increase their lead and ensure that they started their league commitments on a good note.

Next fixtures (Peugeot League): Friday 6.15 p.m. St James vs Hibs; Saturday 4.15 p.m. Depiro vs Stunners; Sunday 2.30 p.m. Athleta vs Luxol.