Plucky Solomon Islands nailed 68-25 by PNG

Papua New Guinea nailed Solomon Islands 68-25 in their first match of the Pacific Games netball competition at the PNG Power Dome this afternoon.

Before the match started the venue attendants had to find vacant seats to seat ticket holders who were still outside the playing venue.

The match was played in front of a packed arena and PNG did not disappoint the home fans, sprinting to an early lead 20-4 by the end of the first quarter.

PNG goal shooter Taita Baldwin used her height and size effectively as she led the scoring onslaught moving the host nation to 40-10 at half time.

The half time siren was a sound of help for the Solomon Islanders, giving time to regroup for the second part of the match.

In the second half, Solomon Islands goal keeper Mirriam Poloso had a sigh of relief as Baldwin was substituted  and Herronie Daera took her place.

With the giant PNG goal shooter taking a break, PNG lost its momentum and their scoring spree slumped  to a snail’s pace, as Solomon Islands centre Judith Mamuli showed her speed and skills on the court, as the crowd turned their cheering to her.

Mamuli combined well with Rebby Basia and Ethel Leamana in their opponent’s goal area to increase their tally.

The PNG women looked fatigued, as the Solomon Islanders dominated ball possession in the third quarter but failed to turn it into points.

The Melanesian “wantok” team trailed PNG 17-55 at the end of  the third quarter.

 In the final quarter, PNG’s coach made some changes,  including moving captain Lua Rikis to the goal shooter position.

 The experienced captain then turned her chances into points to move the margin out of reach of the Solomon Islanders for a 68-25 full time score.

 Meanwhile, PNG goal keeper Kilala Owen, Rikis and Solomon Islands’  Mamuli were the standouts  from the match.

PNG’s  second match will be against Tonga, and the Solomon Islanders will play Samoa tomorrow. 

Author: 
Charles Yapumi