Pepes back home after 72-61 win to take gold

By HUXLEY LOVAI
The PNG Pepes returned home yesterday after winning gold in the netball competition of the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.
The newlook team which included four debutants, were a class above their opponents during the competition.
However, the Pepes were given a challenging gold medal play-off against a physically imposing Tonga side, which Papua New Guinea eventually won 71-62.
The Pepes’ experience and tactical know how proved to be the deciding factor as the Papua New Guinea girls brought home the country’s first gold in netball since the 1969 South Pacific Games, held in Port Moresby.
Co-captains Jacklyn Lahari and Lua Rikis told The National that although regional powerhouses Fiji and Samoa did not participate that did not detract from the result that the team achieved.
Each game had to be played and points had to be won.
“We went into the competition as favourites, but we knew it was not going to be an easy run. Teams such as Solomon Islands, Tonga and hosts Vanuatu have improved a lot compared to their performance in the last Pacific Games.
“The standard netball is improving in the region; it’s good to see these countries coming up,” Rikis said.
“Going into the medal playoff for the gold we didn’t know what to expect. Tonga put in some good performances so it was anybody’s game.”
Lahari stated that the younger players in the side blended well with the rest of the team and were always willing to learn from their first senior international tournament. “The team communicated well on the court, especially with the debutants who were able to fit into the game plan and structures of the team.
“This is our first gold ever for the Pepes. I’m very proud to be part of this team,” Lahari said.
“And it is special for the young players to have this experience. We want to build on this success towards the next Pacific Games in 2019.”