Netball

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.

The unassuming Jamaicans did well to find early momentum against the Silver Ferns in the first half with their seasoned attack end - including the might of former Southern Steel shooter Jhanielle Fowler-Reid.

A majority of the New Zealand side had not played Jamaica before last night, having last played them in 2016, and at the end of the first quarter it showed with the score deadlocked at 13 all.

The second stanza saw no player changes at both ends and the Sunshine Girls took advantage by pulling out to a six goal lead.

The Netball PNG Board, its National Teams and Technical Officials were part of WaterAids the greater prospect on Thursday at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby.

According to reports of the JMP Update 2015, PNG is in the top 10 countries with the greatest 60% of people living without access to clean water.

Moreover, in sanitation, PNG has also not been able to meet the MDG sanitation target. 

Last week’s results were pleasing as many Papua New Guinean men showed great enthusiasm in the competition. It is a popular team sport for women, but after round 7 of the games, men are catching on the show.

''You will be surprise with how much momentum the men's game has picked up after the recent round games.''

Tonight the Rita Flynn courts in Port Moresby will heat up again as teams advance into playing their round 8 games when the men will show it all when they hit the courts.

This is a first for Digicel to make it to a netball grand final.

Coach Susan Pala said it had been a long road but hard work and commitment has paid off.

“We first entered the competition in 2010 and worked our way up from the lower divisions to division 5 and 6 this season.

“We're very excited and looking forward to Sunday,” said Pala.

Digicel has beaten Ginigoada twice already this season, which Pala said has given the girls a lot of confidence for the game.

“The girls will give a 120 percent effort tomorrow to play their best and win,” said Pala.