Kini bags 15 points to help Birdwings defeat Mystics

By JACK AMI
BIRDWINGS beat Mystics 25-23 in the Port Moresby Netball Association division-eight preliminary final at Rita Flynn court on Saturday, securing a spot in the Aug 31 grand final.
It was a double celebration for Birdwings with their division-three team also securing a spot in the grand final. Not all Birdwings players are from Northern with women from other provinces running out for the club under the leadership of Margaret Embahe and Lilian Yaruso — two of the founding members.
Shooters Kilagi Kini (15 points) and Joanne Polume pulled Birdwings back into the match after they were trailing 13-11 at the break. Mystics were in charge of the match but handling errors allowed Birdwings to capitalise and claim victory.
Birdwings defenders Scholar Cox and Gorethy Semi were solid, restricting Mystics shooters Violet Kali and Ralai Benedict to 12 and 11 points respectively.
Mystics defenders Huau Kevin and Brenda Oreke were unable to stop Kini and Polume who collected seven and six points respectively in the second half.
However, Kali and Benedict also managed to post points.
In the mid-court, Birdwings centre Christine Kave, wing attack Stephanie Raepa and Maureen Eric combined well against Mystics’ Michaeline Thomas, Vele Iamo and Naomi Abe.
Embahe thanked major sponsors Native Arts & Fashion Academy (Nafa) for their support.
“Nafa is a local company and the club are proud to partner the firm,” she said.
“We hope our partnership continue in the seasons to come.”
Embahe said the support had boosted team spirit, morale and confidence at the club.