Birkirkara defended their BOV Women’s League title successfully after their 4-1 rout of rivals Hibernians on the final day of the season to pull themselves four points clear of the Paolites, hence retaining the championship.

It is the first league title for Melania Bajada as a coach, who replaced Shawn Meilak prior the 2017/2018 campaign and has became the first female coach to claim a winning title.

The Stripes were in a class of their own as they opened a four-goal lead before Dorianne Theuma pulled one back for Hibs in the closing stages of the game, but Birkirkara were already dry and home.

Stephania Farrugia, who was named MFPA Women’s player of the year for the third straight time earlier this week, opened the score for the Stripes, netting her eight of the season after 25 minutes.

Melania Bajada’s side continued to push for a second and they made their pressure count when Gabriella Zahra doubled the lead just before half-time.

After the change of ends, the script did not change with the Stripes adding two more goals through youth players Veronique Mifsud before Theuma scored the consolation goal for the 12-time championship winners.

Kevin Spiteri from BOV’s PR & Marketing Dept and Ludovico Micallef, Senior Vice President of the Malta Football Association presented the trophy to the champions.

Elsewhere, Mġarr United came from behind to earn a 2-1 win over Raiders (Luxol). Monique Sultana opened the score for the Violets before the Greens scored twice in the final quarter of the game. Rebecca D’Agostino converted from the penalty spot while Brenda Borg sealed the win on minute 88.

In the other game, Kirkop United defeated Tarxien Rainbows 4-2. A Lara Theuma’s own goal opened the account for the Reds. Demi Magrin, Liis Pello and Liivi Sormus scored the other goals. Meanwhile, Kailey Willis grabbed both goals for Tarxien.

Final standings:
Section A: Birkirkara 49; Hibernians 45; Mġarr United 32; Raiders (Luxol) 28; Kirkop United 18; Tarxien Rainbows 8.
Section B: Swieqi United 22; Fgura United 11; Mosta 4.

Photos courtesy of Bank of Valletta