Papua New Guinea edged out Samoa 62-54 in an entertaining netball match played at the PNG Power Dome this afternoon.
PNG captain Lua Rikis continued her top form leading in front as she only missed one attempt from the 32 shots at goal.
Samoa started the match on a high, as their center court player Brooke Williams used her speed around the court directing play.
She combined well with wing attack Hanalei Temese, giving Samoa goal shooter Julianna Naoupu Laban free balls to put them in front at the sound of the first quarter siren 19-13.
During the drinks break, PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Minister for National Planning Charles Abel walked into the arena and took their seat next to the Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, second row from the PNG girls seating area.
That must have inspired the PNG ladies to step up their game, clinching the lead from the Samoans by two points, 30-28.
And with support of home fans, PNG kept the lead in the third quarter 46-43, promising a tight finish in the last 15 minutes of play.
In the final quarter, the fans brought the house down with their support as they pushed the PNG ladies to go the extra mile and remain undefeated.
PNG defenders Margret Eka and Kilala Owen were on top of their defensive game as they shut down a late surge by the Samoan mid court players for a heart stopping win.
Rikis was lost for words after the win but gave thanks to God and everyone who turned up to support.
“I don’t know what to say, thank you prime minister, the win is dedicated to the facilities we have.”
