Ila Vala shines as Telikom book netball finals spot
By WENDY KATUSELE
TELIKOM have done it again with
anther premiership appearance after defeating Finance 25-19 in the
Port Moresby public servants netball preliminary finals on
Saturday.
The win sees the champion side take on Works in the grand final
this weekend.
It was a tight affair in the first half with both teams determined
to go one step further as their goal shooters despite under
extreme pressure from their opponents were on target under the
post.
But it was Telikom’s goal shooter Ila Vala’s day as she recorded a
100% shooting rate to make up for the previous weekend’s loss to
Works in the major semi finals.
Vala proved her vital role in the team as she amused the loyal
spectators with her long range accuracy.
Vala had the support of partner Anne Dobbin who combined well to
see the valuable points scored.
On the opposite end, Finance goal shooter Jean Rex had to overcome
strong defence by Telikom’s defenders Lorna Abraham (GD) and
Miriam Mega (GK) who was switched from the shooting role and it
worked wonders for the telephone lines women.
Rex contributed to Finance’s 10-9 lead in the first half.
But Telikom came back stronger in the second half with Vala
quickly sinking goals from uncharacteristic errors committed by
Finance mid court.
Telikom’s Wilma Gigimat and Kerry Tarua combined well in the mid
court enabling definite passes to the dangerous Vala.
Finance defenders in international Albertine Ehari and Ralai
Benedict tried their best to match Telikom’s shooting combination
but Vala had too much class with her valuable experience doing
justice.
Finance also had a hard trier and a never-say-die attitude from
wing defend Dianne Kala who had an outstanding match but hopes of
a grand final berth was dashed by Telikom.
