Athleta end group games on an unbeaten run

Gzira Athleta 80 Siggiewi St. Nicholas 50 (18-9, 20-15, 23-12, 19-14)

As in all their other games Athleta finished up on the winning side once more to end their group game activities on a very positive note winning all their 12 matches on the schedule having already made sure of a Play Off place from early on.

They were beating the second placed side for the fourth time this season although Siggiewi were already assured of a top two placing with Marvels and Mellieha making up the other two Play Off positions as Starlites missed out.

Athleta had Mark Cilia back but skipper Joshua Aquilina was still missing. Siggiewi were missing two players Lee Grech and Slavko Opejevlic.

Athleta, or better Kwame Thompson, opened up well as his side went 11-2 ahead from early on. The rest of the session was shared as Robert Alosco netted a Siggiewi triple but Athleta kept their advantage.

In the next period, Athleta improved on their lead with a 7-2 start and a Mike Giusti trey. Then it was Siggiewi’s turn as they ground out a 9-2 run with more Alosco points and a second trey. Athleta’s answer was a better 9-0 run and a Stefan Vincic triple. At the end of the session and the interval Athleta were 38-24 in front.

After the break, Athleta caught Siggiewi cold andthey poured in a 14-0 run with Thompson still heavily involved and also with an early trey. Siggiewi reacted well to make up a 9-2 run with Hubert Agius and Alosco points.

The period ended with treys at either end JP Antoncic for Siggiewi and Thompson again for Athleta who had gone on to a heavy 61-36 advantage.

The last session had Athleta making up a 7-0 run. Siggiewi pulled some points back with the last part of the game being shared. Jonathan Camilleri netted Siggiewi’s last points including a triple as Athleta eased into their last victory before setting their sights on the Play Offs.

Athleta: R. Zammit, F. Mifsud Bonnici13, J. Wait 4, M. Giusti 3, M. Gauci Montaldo 4, N. Xuereb 6, K. Thompson 37, C. Schembri, S. Vincic 9, M. Cilia 4

Siggiewi: JP Antoncic 7, K., Scicluna 2, S. Niedritis, H. Agius 10, G. Agius 4, R, Alosco 15, Ro. Camilleri, Re. Camilleri,J. Camilleri 10, K. Arvanitekis 2

Referees: B. Sly, M. Rajczi