Netball

The PNG Pepes comprises of experienced and rookie players. Veterans would be up to prove their class while the rookies to justify their selections into the team. It will be exciting to see how they go, given their mixed performances at the recent Pacific Games.

Head coach, Annie Iamo, during the teams' preparation, said they had a handful of new players replacing those that won’t make the team through withdrawals. She expressed that the team picked is competitive and can get the job done.

Head Coach Annie Iamo said Leka has been impressive with the Sparrows Netball Club in the Port Moresby Netball Competition and deserves the representative honours at this event.

At training, Leka demonstrated her preparedness for the international competition and how well she can handle pressure. Mary Leka, one of the best young and upcoming prospects, understands her role in the team. She says she is ready to give her best shot. 

The game was a thrilling rematch of the tournament's first match, where Singapore suffered a narrow 50-52 defeat to Papua New Guinea.

The first 15 minutes of the game were fiercely contested, with both teams refusing to give an inch. However, midway through, Singapore made some errors, allowing Papua New Guinea to edge ahead and claim the first quarter with a two-goal lead (18-16).

The second quarter was dominated by Singapore, with the home team overpowering their rivals through solid defensive play.

There were many intense matchups on the third day of the tournament as host Singapore went the distance against a resilient Canadian team, Sri Lanka secured their first victory of the week, and PNG continued its dominance.

In the day’s second game, PNG Pepes delivered a dominant performance against the Singapore A team to make it three wins out of three for the week. Singapore A is a development side.

The first three quarters belonged to PNG as they dictated the pace of the game, winning each quarter by six goals, resulting in a 45-23 lead.

On Sunday 22^nd October, the Mirxes Nations Cup kicked off with an exhilarating showdown between Singapore and PNG on Sunday 22^nd October, with the PNG Pepes winning by just two goals 52-50.

The first 15 minutes of the game were a back-and-forth battle, with the Pepes holding a slim lead at the end of first quarter 13-12. A strong performance in the second quarter allowed PNG to stretch their lead to seven goals at one point in the quarter. At halftime, Pepes extended their lead with a 29-24 score line.

Twenty-four players’ were trialed out to get selected for the 15 spots to represent PNG in the upcoming Singapore Series and Pacific Games.

With an aim of making a successful tour in the forthcoming international meets, the PNG Pepes selectors; Pepes Head Coach, Annie Iamo, Assistance Coach, Helen Edwards and Julienne Leka-Maliaki are aiming to pick the best team.

Incumbent Ulato Avei retained her seat as President of Netball PNG after a unanimous vote by the 10 affiliated associations (West New Britain, Madang, East Sepik, Lae, Abau, Rigo, Kairuku Hiri, Gulf, Motu Koita West and Port Moresby) present.

Dianna Kila, Roy Mulina and Lawrence Howard Lahari were given the mandate to serve as the three board directors.

The board will hold office for a three-year term (2023-2025).

Avei thanked the council members for their continued support and confidence in her to lead netball in the country for another term.

The premier division match grand final of the Private Companies Netball Competition, was entertaining, as the agile Moore Printing team made up of talented and skillful youngsters were too fast in the mid-court, running rings around the Post-Courier ladies to a good start, but in a close contest.

Moore’s Goal-Attack Mary Leka was superb under the rings as she took her team to the lead into the first quarter 6-2. 

Outstanding games will be played this Saturday, 4^th of February, 2023. On the 11^th of February, top 4 Playoff 1 and on the 18^th of February will be the top 4 Playoff 2.

In the Premier Division, Moore Printing 1 is leading by 24 points, separated by a point is BSP 1 on 2^nd place with 23 points. Reigning premiers Post Courier are on 3^rd spot with 22 points and on 4^th placing is NSL 1 with 16 points, who will fight hard to keep their final hopes alive.

The competition which has attracted over a hundred teams from the various corporate companies in the city fielding two teams each and played in Divisions as Team 1 and Team 2.

The NCD Private Companies Netball has a long history which started around 2003 with only 8 teams. 25 years on from those humble beginnings this season they have registered 102 teams.

The normal round of matches concluded on the weekend before they go into the play-offs which will feature 17 divisions with two teams in each division to challenge for the grand final playoff set for February 25.