Diro proud of Telstars despite loss

Reports by MARTHA DERUAGE
THE Telstars suffered a disappointing 58-57 loss to the Mermaids in game seven of the Port Moresby Netball Association’s premier competition at the Rita Flynn Court over the weekend.
It was a hotly contested game from the beginning, with the Mermaids leading by a point in the first quarter (15-14).
The Mermaids carried the momentum into the second quarter to take a 31-27 half-time lead.
The Telstars stepped up in the final quarter and were leading, but errors saw them surrender the game.
“The girls did great,” Telstars coach Veitu Diro, pictured, said.
“There was a lot of energy after halftime but we forgot to slow down the ball a little.
“Our shooting accuracy was great. The shooters did very well but our defenders were blown off during the game.
“Credit to the Mermaids for playing a great game.
“But I am sure we made the top four for the finals despite the loss.”
Mermaids coach Richanda Kassman was pleased with the win, as it had pushed them into the finals next weekend.
“We suffered a disappointing loss to the Rebels,” she said.
“We knew we really had to win this one and we wanted the game and I am glad we did.
“Our defenders were superb, I think they won us the game.
“The composure of our shooters was great.
“A lot of risky long shot which is scary but impressive.”
Kassman thanked their sponsor, the Lae Biscuit Company, for the support.
“We are hoping to come out victorious in the finals,” she said.
“There is a lot of things we need to look at before the finals.
“We need to work on our centre passes, to get clean passes to our shooters.”