Datec scores upset win

 By JACK AMI

DATEC yesterday collected their second Private Companies Netball title by forcing Proclean at the Rita Flynn Netball Courts to be content with the minor premiership.

In the premier division grand final that Proclean entered as pre-match favourites, Datec tore the script into shreds to land the major honours with a commanding 35-24 victory in front of a lively crowd.   

It was an even tussle with both teams level at 7-7 before Datec gained a slight edge at half-time, 19-15.

They lifted the tempo in the third quarter to steer clear to 27-18 before adding eight more goals in the final quarter to take the title.

Datec were the better team as they controlled play well, especially in the mid-court, which was the nerve centre of their attack and defence.

Centre Talitha Malaga, wing attack Ati (Kule) Rawali, a former Pepe, and wing defence Emily Lafe communicated well.

That enabled shooter Mona Konena to amass a personal high 27 goals and with valuable support from goal attack Netanya Mulina and her eight goals – the Datec camp started to prepare for celebrations.

Proclean defenders Doe Tama and goalkeeper Ilmah Kokema failed to keep tabs on the Datec shooters and that was when things started to go wrong for them.

Proclean’s mid-court of (WA) Winfred Sauna, (C ) Serah To’ope and (WD) Tina Enis failed to find the required momentum and with the limited opportunities shooters big Gia Steven (9) and Agnes Kiki (15) – could not help but watch the title slip out of reach.

Life was made more miserable for the duo as Datec defenders sisters Nancy and Rachel Kapi combined to keep the pressure on them as the match moved into the crucial quarters. 

In division 1, in extra time Boroko Motors Ltd came from behind to edge out Kina Finance 37-35 after a 26- 26 deadlock at full-time.

In Other results: Division 2: Gagsy 25 beat Flame 23, Division 3: Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited 21 Theodist 18, Division 4: Mirupasi Lawyers 25 Sintons 24, Division 5: Pacific Industries Ltd 27 British American Tobacco 25, Division 6: Papua New Guinea Fumigations 22 Nebroo 17, Division 7: Silverstrand 27 Ginigoada 25, Division 8: Caveman Constructions Limited 29 Hugo Canning 25, Division 9: Star Fisheries 28 Finance 19.