U21 comp serves off at national champs

Sports

MINNOWS Popondetta stretched city side Fairfax all the way before going down 2-1 in the Under-21 men’s division of the National Volleyball Championships at the Taurama Aquatic Centre and Indoor Complex in Port Moresby yesterday.
Major centres National Capital District and Fairfax dominated the opening matches with wins over champions VAVA and new comers Popondetta in the men’s game while in the women’s match NCD stopped Fairfax (2).
Fairfax took the first set 25-18 before losing the second 25-20 but managed to avert an embarrassing loss claiming the third set 25-20.
Fairfax were cool and under pressure and got their hands right to put the opposition out of contention.
The Popondetta side is a relatively new and young side dominated by students and youths from Popondetta Urban and Rural LLGs but did try their best to retaliate.
An awe-struck Popondetta coach Puksie Tore said they started off slowly as the boys had to adjust to the indoor as this was their first time to play in a world class facility in Port Moresby.
Tore said they had Fairfax pinned down but experience and pressure combined with an obvious height advantage gave the city team room to scrape home.
In the other match Hula beat Tatana 2-1, NCD defeated Vava 2-0, and Hula overcame Popondetta 2-1.
In women’s games Houra beat Seabirds 2-1, NCD took out Fairfax 2-0 and Mirigini beat nemisis Tatana 2-1.
PNG Volleyball Federation president Bernard Alu said this was an exciting tournament with the U21 teams showcasing their raw talents and there was so much more to be seen during the three days event. The U21 finals will be played tomorrow.
Alu said most of these juniors will then play for their open teams beginning on Thursday and ending with the finals on Sunday.
“This is an opportunity for the U21 players as PNG Vollkeyball Federation will name atraining squad for the Olympic Youth World Championship for indoor and beach volleyball teams.
“This is also good experience for them to play against elites Amoa men’s and women’s dominated by VAVA, NCD and Fairfax,” Alu said.