Honey Athleta surprised the more-quoted Hibs in an exciting match to reach the final of the BOV Knock-Out.

The other finalists are PAVI Depiro who saw off Cafè Moak Luxol.

Hibs had the better start to open a slight lead, 10-8.

As the second quarter got underway, Athleta forged 18-14 ahead only for Hibs to fight back, going 21-18 in front. But it was Athleta who finished strongly to go in for half-time 26-24 ahead.

The match remained balanced with Hibs managing to start the last quarter with a slender three-point lead, 41-38.

Athleta refused to give up though and a 9-0 run put them 47-41 ahead. Hibs again recovered to level at 51-all, thanks to Christine Grima, their best scorer, but Amelia Simmons converted two free-throws to settle the issue in Athleta’s favour.

In the other semi-final, Depiro avenged their loss to Luxol in the Shield final.

Depiro led throughout with returning captain Sam Brincat combining well with Sierra Evans to drive her side to the final.

Luxol were hampered by below-par performances from playmaker Sarah Pace and Steffi DeMartino who also had to endure a lengthy spell on the bench.

Midway through the first quarter, Depiro hit nine consecutive points to go 15-5 ahead. After a balanced period, Luxol trimmed the gap to a single point, 26-25.

Hard as they tried, Luxol were unable to take the lead as Depiro began the last 10 minutes 41-35 ahead. After Depiro extended their lead to 51-39, Luxol fought back to reduce the deficit, 53-49, but four free-throws sealed Depiro’s passage into the KO final.

Next fixtures

(St James Hospital League)

Friday: 18.15 Athleta vs Hibs; 20.00 Phoenix vs Luxol.
Monday: 11.15 Hibs vs Phoenix; 13.00 Luxol vs Depiro.