Dolphins dominate in Volleyball Fairfax pre-season final

Sports

RAUKELE Dolphins claimed the Volleyball Fairfax Cup after defeating Moukele 3-1 in the pre-season grand final at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre on Saturday.
The reigning champions were confident in the opening set as rookies Moukele looked solid but lost 21-25.
Moukele outside hitter and former Papua New Guinea Amoa player Eric Itama capitalised on the simple errors by Dolphins and ignited Moukele’s attack in the second set to win 25-18.
The tempo was high in the third set and kept the crowd entertained as Moukele attempted an upset.
But Dolphins’ Andrew Kapi and Ronnie Kila had a height advantage as they stood firm to deny the Fisherman Island men from scoring.
PNG Amoa representative Rolley Forova changed the momentum of the game in the fourth set for the Dolphins when setter Junior Pouna took charge of the engine room.
Pouna was flexible and his sets were in line for power hitters Kila and Forova to score points.
Pouna’s combination with Kila and Forova caused havoc for their opponents as both short spikes were undeniable in the front court.
Moukele were unable to contain Dolphins’ attack and the game ended in favour of Raukele in the fourth set with a 25-19 scoreline.
Kila was named as the best spiker.
Coach Allen Yikolisa said Dolphins were in the race to retain their title this year.
“My players were not consistent with their training, but maintained a good level of fitness to win the pre-season title,” he said.
“This is just the beginning of a big challenge ahead when the season starts,” Yikolisa said after the pre-season finals.