Central men spike gold over WNB

CENTRAL have finally won the men’s volleyball gold medal at the Kokopo Games.
They beat West New Britain 3-0 to claim the ultimate prize and honour that have eluded them since the 2009 Games.
 “I’m more than happy and lost for words that we won gold,” coach Tore Iga said.
“In 2009, NCD beat us in the semi-final and went on to win gold and this win was to restore that lost pride.”
The Central men cleared their main obstacle on Monday when they shocked defending champions NCD 3-1 in the semi-finals.
They maintained that top form in yesterday’s decider.
“I’m proud of the young players, they have really showed maturity.
“This is another milestone for volleyball in Central,” Iga said.
“We will go back and get ready to defend the title in Morobe in 2014.”
NCD hammered Milne Bay 3-0 to win the bronze medal.
In the women’s final, NCD outclassed Morobe 3-1 to defend the gold they won in the 2009 Games.
Morobe looked promising in the first half with setter Delsie Banka dictating play for her spikers who penetrated NCD’s defence at will to win the first set 25-23.
NCD were outplayed in that set when their setter Franky Daton was substituted midway in the first set which mentally distracted the team.
But that did not discourage NCD who came back strongly in the last three sets with experienced hands Hazel Ruga and Jossie Dick leading the onslaught.
NCD won those sets by 27-25, 25-23 and 25-18.
Ruga was on fire with her powerful spikes with good support from Lois Garena and Zoe Awada, and Bing Saies.