Aussie High Com edge BSP in thriller

 By KYMLIE KARANI

AUSTRALIAN High Commission has earned a spot in the Private Companies Netball competition after upsetting Bank South Pacific 34-31 in the premier division yesterday at the Rita Flynn Netball courts.

BSP, the defending champions showed no mercy this time with defenders Cecilia Agelavu and Betty Kila managing to block out AHC’s star player Rakara Raula in their goal mouth.

AHC opened up in the early three minutes leading 3-1from lose balls that came off BSP.

It was a nerve-wrecking game with both teams drawing at fulltime 23-23 which called for extra time.

Despite BSP’s lead 9-7 in the first half, AHC fought back well with much more aggression forcing errors for their rivals.

BSP’s shooter Renagi Dringo was a threat in during the match.

During the early minutes of the first half, Dringo sustained a slight ankle injury but that didn’t stop her from shooting.

AHC maintained energy all throughout the second half with more clear passes. 

Extra time made tensions worse for BSP when they were unable to shoot goals.

Dringo, under pressure from defenders Elke Koellner and Winnie Drake, managed to score a few while AHC centre Sose Tava’e was on fire creating space with more options for Raula and Mary Age to get ahead of BSP.

AHC were three points way ahead of BSP in the last remaining minutes of the extra time and it was a little too late for BSP. 

AHC won the match which now sees them take on Datec in the granfinal match this Sunday, where both teams play off for the PCNC titles.