Three teams lead in Women’s League

Title-seekers Luxol handed champions Hibs Medsea their first defeat of the season and now three teams are leading the standings in the 2010-11 Women’s League.

After six matches, Hibs and Luxol have been joined at the top by Depiro McDonald’s who triumphed in the derby against Mtarfa last weekend.

The leading trio won five matches each and lost one in the process.

In the most awaited fixture of the weekend, a last-gasp Steffi DeMartino basket sealed the issue for Luxol against Hibs.

The match had a balanced start as both teams were level at the end of the first quarter, 10-10. Luxol, however, could not have hoped for a better start to the second session as they took a 21-12 lead and despite Hibs coming back strongly, they led 24-19 at half-time.

It did not take Hibs too long to draw level at 24-all but Luxol again shot to a 32-25 lead. Hibs never threw in the towel though and as the last 10 minutes ticked away they were only two points behind – 34-32.

The lead changed hands several times before Luxol took the lead with only four seconds left on the clock. Hibs coach Mario Tabone called for a time-out with Luxol counterpart Val Drury doing likewise in a tense finale.

It was Luxol’s fourth but the scoreboard showed two. Hibs contended that Luxol had already had three time-outs even though the scoreboard showed only two. No action was taken by the officials and the match finished 40-39 for Luxol. It is understood that Hibs signed the scoresheet under protest, citing a technical mistake.

Mtarfa Guzel Pinar were miles behind Depiro in the derby clash. At half-time, Depiro enjoyed a 32-8 lead and with Mtarfa unable to change the pattern of the game, Depiro ran out 79-26 winners.

Loyola, meanwhile, registered their fourth victory after beating Starlites 49-40 while Athleta claimed their third win after toppling St Andrew’s 54-33.

Standings
Hibs Medsea 11 (5-1), Depiro McDonald’s 11 (5-1), Luxol 11 (5-1), Loyola 10 (4-2), Athleta 9 (3-3), St Andrews 8 (2-4), Starlites 7 (1-5), Mtarfa 6 (0-6).

Top-scorers
K. Agius (Depiro) 125, L. Bezzina (Hibs) 124, L. Sciberras (Athleta) 105, A. Borg (Depiro) 87, B. Zammit (Luxol) 72.

Next fixtures
Friday, 18.15 Hibs vs Mtarfa, 19.45 Loyola vs Luxol.
Saturday, 14.00 St Andrews vs Starlites.
Sunday, 14.30 Depiro McDonald’s vs Athleta.