The women’s St James Shield matches over the weekend served to complete the semi-finals line-up which will now see Caffe Moak Luxol playing Hibs and PAVI Depiro taking on Gżira Athleta for a place in the final.

The match between Depiro and Hibs developed in an exciting and balanced affair with the lead changing hands several times.

Depiro led 16-12 at the end of the first quarter. However, midway through the next session Hibs hit back to take the lead (23-21) only for their opponents to regain their touch in time to go in for the break enjoying a 29-27 advantage.

Hibs suffered a blow before the end of the third quarter when they lost their chief points getter Christine Grima through five fouls. However, the Paolites still held their own and went 41-38 ahead at the start of the last session.

Depiro opted for a time-out and when play resumed they started moving the ball better in attack.

Two three-pointers by Gaby Mifsud and a Maria Bonett basket put them in front at a crucial stage of the encounter. Hibs tried hard to get back into the reckoning but Depiro held on for a narrow 50-48 win.

In the other match, Luxol continued to show they’re already in peak form after beating Athleta 57-43.

Athleta did well in the opening quarter but soon Luxol started pulling away to change ends 31-22 in front.

The third quarter was shared but Luxol put the issue beyond doubt as the last ten minutes got underway when they opened a 22-point lead (52-30), paving the way for a deserved victory.

Shield semi-finals
Saturday – 14.45 Luxol vs Hibs.
Sunday – 14.45 Depiro vs Gzira.

New sponsors

Insurance firm MSV Life signed an agreement with the MBA, supporting the organisation to ensure the sport continues to receive the backing it needs to maintain the standards achieved so far and even go up to the next level.

The two parties agreed that this season the women’s championship will be renamed the MSV Life Women League.

The agreement was signed by MSV Life CEO David G. Curmi and Chief Officer Norman Mifsud and president Paul Sultana and secretary general Joseph Muscat for the MBA.

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