PNG Netball Federation in partnership with WaterAid PNG hosted an exhibit match between the PNG Pepes and the Mixed National squad at the Rita Flynn Courts today.
Present to witness the encounter was Australia’s Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Both sides showed exactly why they are elite netballers in the country.
The netballers had the honour of having Lady Lynn Cosgrave passing a short one to Pepes Captain, Lua Rikis, to mark the start of the match.
All formalities aside, it was game on with speed and precision on par early on for both sides.
The opener shot came from Pepes’ Rikis, and that set the mixed team, the Maleos in motion as they came back stronger with three consecutive shots. But with more competitions under their belts, the Pepes managed to stay in the lead with 8 points to Maleos 6 at half time.
The second half saw impressive defences and athletic abilities from the Mixed Team. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to keep them on top of the game.
With the combination of Pepes Goal Shooter, Lua Rikis, and Goal Attacker, Rayleen Andrew, they brought the score count to 17 point’s to their opponents 12 at fulltime.
Pleased with the superb netball he saw today, Sir Cosgrove said he is now looking forward to seeing Team PNG at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
