Medsea, Depiro and Luxol through

Hibs Medsea, Depiro McDonald's and Ergon Project Luxol secured a place in the Championship Pool by virtue of their victories last weekend over Honey Athleta, St James Hospital and Empire Cinema Stunners respectively.

Leaders Medsea recorded their ninth consecutive victory after beating Athleta in a low-scoring match, 41-19.

Both sides were shorn of some regular players with Hibs leading 12-4 by the end of the first quarter and Athleta failing to add another point until half-time. They changed ends 19-4 down.

Athleta had their best patch in the third session, 24-12, but Medsea regained control to avoid any upsets. Luxol, without Emma Moore and Francesca Psaila Savona, struggled to impose their game against Stunners, still without a win this season. Stunners managed to recover after a rather slow start but Luxol held on to a slender lead to win 51-46.

Depiro found stiff resistance from St James before emerging 54-44 winners.

Depiro, second in the standings, had a good start to open a 21-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. St James, however, fought back and reduced the gap to four points, 37-33 by the end of the third quarter. However, Depiro's 11-2 break was enough to put the issue beyond doubt.

Standings: Hibs 18 (9-0), Depiro 16 (7-2), Luxol 15 (6-3), St James 12 (3-6), Athleta 11 (2-7), Stunners 9 (0-9).

MBA Shield final: Today, 2.30 p.m. Luxol vs Hibs.