Amos holds off Friends for Sisters’ win

By LARRY ANDREW
Pagini Sisters goal-defender Erika Amos played a leading role as her side won the Lae Netball Association final on Saturday with a 42-35 win over Friends.
The Morobe-Gulf youngster put on a brilliant defensive display on the Sir Ignatius Kilage Indoor court, working in tandem with goal-keeper Salome Songake to thwart Friends shooters.
At the other end of the court, experienced Jenny Magatu and Mary Elavo, two former basketballers, used their height advantage to keep the score.
Friends took a slender 9-8 lead after the first-quarter, with Nereta Ila at centre-court dictating play.
Ila was well-assisted by sister Daniella to feed Julie Lamei (goal-attack) and Josephine Ila (goal- shooter) for a one-point advantage.
The second-quarter saw Sisters outscore Friends 13 goals to 11 for a 21-20 lead at halftime.
Returning from the halftime interval, Friends lifted their game with Laura Niggs, Piwen Ila, Helen Vola, Elma Mongoru, Iila Basada, Regina Winas, Daisy Winas and Lydia Mathias making good contributions.
Their efforts were rewarded as they reclaimed the lead 31-30 heading into the final-quarter.
The last 15 minutes saw Sisters’ championship qualities come to the fore as the lanky pairing of Magatu and Elavo made their opposition pay for every error to come out with a seven-point win.
LNA awards: Best shooter: Iga Augerea-Rakodise (B Grade), Luiser Sakain-Pagini Sisters (A Reserve) and Jenny Magatu-Pagini Sisters (A Grade); Midcourt: Makara Onea-Rakodise-(B Grade), Sylvia Tumonde-Pagini Sisters (A Reserve), Regina Winas-KSW Friends (A Grade); Defenders: Bianca Tukayo-Pagini Sisters (B Grade), Evodia Philemon-Pagini Sisters (A Reserve), Erika Amos-Pagini Sisters (A Grade).