PNG Pepes

Pepes depart for Hong Kong series

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.

Leka ready for Four Nations Series debut

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. 

PNG Pepes undefeated

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.

PNG Pepes training camp

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.

Pepes to face Samoa

The two teams had a friendly meet and greet, which allowed them to build a sense of camaraderie ahead of their upcoming matches.

The Pepes are in Australia for the 2023 fixture of PacificAus Sports Netball Series. They face Samoa in their first match later this afternoon.

The Pepes had their first training session with Stacey Marinkovich, coach of the Australian Diamonds. This was an exciting opportunity to train in the presence of an experienced coach.

One win and three losses for Pepes

The results:

Cook Islands def. Papua New Guinea 54-51.

Samoa def. Papua New Guinea 52-41.

Papua New Guinea def. Tonga 64-56.

Fiji def. Papua New Guinea 55 – 34.

The Pepes have completed all their games and have the bye today. The final matches from today will determine where they finish at the Qualifier.

Pepes to play Fiji in final match

After two losses, the Pepes finally managed to register their first win yesterday, overcoming Tonga 64-56.

But with only the top two to advance to next year’s World Cup, the third placed Pepes will need to beat Fiji convincingly and then bank on other results from today and tomorrow to go their way.

After day three yesterday, the current standings:

Fiji (4), Samoa (4), PNG (2), Cook Islands (2), Tonga (0).

The showdown with Fiji will get underway at 7pm (5pm PNG time).

Pepes go down to Cooks, Samoa

In their opening match on Tuesday, the Pepes pushed Cook Islands all the way and by half-time were only trailing by two points.

But time ran out for the Pepes with the Cooks clinging on to win 54-51.

Yesterday’s encounter against hot favourites Samoa was always going to be a tough ask and despite a late fight back, the Samoans proved the better side with a 52-41 score line to remain unbeaten.

Day three will see the Pepes take on Tonga at 7pm (5pm PNG time) tonight, while Fiji will play Cook Islands.

Pepes team named for World Cup qualifier

The Richanda-Leigh Kassman coached team leaves this weekend for the tournament that will run from April 17-22.

The Pepes will be up against other Pacific island countries including Samoa, Fij, Cook Islands and Tonga in their quest for a place in the 16-team 2019 World Cup.

The PNG Pepes:

Pepes squad of 15 named

The squad:

  1. Jeperth Tulapi
  2. Rayleen Andrew
  3. Boio Peter
  4. Nancy Alu
  5. Tiata Ovia
  6. Nerrie Adula
  7. Mary Ellen Bonser
  8. Jacklyn Lahari
  9. Mayleen Nona
  10. Kimberley Alex
  11. Serena Ovia
  12. Nancy Beaso
  13. Hannah Borreto
  14. Julianne Diro
  15. Ravusiro Vali

The squad will be further trimmed down to 12 players before the team leaves for New Zealand in their quest for a place in the 16-team 2019 World Cup.

The Qualifier will run from April 17-22.