Snax Mermaids came close to tasting grand final victory against Esco Telstars inthe Port Moresby Netball Premiere Competition.
A youthful Mermaids outfit’succumbed to Telstars’ grand final material, atthe Rita Flynn Netball Courts.
Snax Mermaids tookthe courtocertain of pulling of a win against Telstars intheir first grand final appearance after 10 years. Bet Telstars were out to spoilthe party for the ladies in purple.
Centre Richander Kassman dictated play for Mermaids asthey pushed past heavy defense from Telstars Julianne Diro, Philomena Naime and Raka Nope.
Telstars with a wealth of grand final experience were cool, calm and collective, led by Goal shooter Gamini Koroka, ably assisted by Goal Attack Albertine Ehari.
The towering duo weren’t shaken by Mermaids defense asthey raced to a 10 point lead in onlythe first quarter.
Quarter time gave Mermaidsthe chance to recoup and come back all fired up.
It was a contest that was long awaited. Beth teams cheered on by family, friend and spectators.
Mermaids shooting pair saw Rayleen Andrew work tirelessly to plot goals for her team, with help from Under 21 representative, Kapa Mailia, whose goal scoring accuracy proverd vital for Mermaids.
Telstar’s setthe pace and led right throughoutthe match untilthe 3rd quarter saw a crucial change in line up for the stars giving Mermaids a chance to catch up, narrowingthe 10 point margin.
Mermaid’s stronghold inthe shooting circle saw young Mailia lunge her way to score, refusing to give up.
Mermaids midcourt worked hard to deliver, while Nancy Kapi and Tau Galewa minimized Telstar’s opportunities to score.
Mermaids played catch up right fromthe starting whistle but gave Telstars a good run for their money.
Telstars onthe ther hand boasts a handful of grand final experience, led by Emily Maha who steered her team totheir 39th premiership title.
Mermaids head coach Pole Kassman was not on hand to withness a gutsy performance from her team.
Telstars under mentor and coach, Veitu Diro, bagged a well-earned victory coming from 4th place to take outthe 2013 title.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=RZZf7l9AyQE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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