Netball

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.

This will be the third game of round two with two more games remaining before the finals.

Outstanding games will be played on 5th of February, for teams whose games have been differed. 

President Julie Mai said the top four teams will proceed into the finals. It will be a moment of truth as all teams are vying for the top four positions in their respective divisions.

“Players who have played three games and more are eligible to play in the finals, hence must ensure their players have played enough games to qualify for the finals,” she said.

The All Blacks arrived back from Argentina in time to see the end of the netball final against Australia.

Hansen says they were all genuinely excited and proud of what the Ferns achieved and in particular the journey coach Noeline Taurua has taken.

Cook Islands booked a place in the final by defeating Papua New Guinea 58-31 at the Multisport Centre, Faleata, urged on by their boisterous fans.

“This is great for Cook Island netball. Last time we were in a gold medal match was 1991. We have a huge support base, both here and at home,” said coach Suzanne Evans.

Both teams entered the game undefeated from pool matches. Cook Islands took the lead and kept PNG goaled for the first four minutes.

The 3-year partnership agreement included provision of official match balls for the 20-18 Newcrest National Titles, underway in Lae, Morobe Province.

Hart sport of Australia is a supplier of quality sporting equipment.

Chair of Netball PNG Julienne Leka-Maliaki said the organization is focused on building and raising the standards of the game in PNG, hence it was important to have a consistent supply of key equipment for netball events across the country.

The Hiri Netball Tournament started on Monday, attracting teams from 15 associations from Hiri District and 2 from Kairuku District.

The tournament is more than just a competition.

It is bigger than winning and bagging titles. It is about embracing the Hiri culture of coming together through sports and acknowledging women from around the district and instilling discipline, good attitudes and respect amongst the young girls.

In its second day of games, the tournament has exposed an array of raw talent and exceptional level of skills.