Lae Netball Association aiming to improve on last year’s second-place finish

THE Lae Netball Association are looking to step up at the national championships in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, next month.
Association president Shirley Lung said their teams had started training at the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation’s High Performance Centre two weeks ago.
“The involvement of the High Performance Centre team will see a much fitter and stronger group of players and we are grateful for the partnership with the organisation,” she said.
Lung said she was confident that last year’s runners-up Lae would work hard to improve on their performance at the championships.
She said their showing at the championships would be the measure of the quality and standard of their competition.
“The championship has always been a great avenue to expose our new talent but it is also a great platform to show how well the association has progressed,” Lung said.
Notable players to watch in the junior divisions are Ashley Iamo (Under-13), Lilo Oliver, Yasmine Oliver, Peneroma Luke (U15), Eurally Uru, Bianca Tuckayo, Jonen Maliaki, Elaine Tango, Pouna Daure, Victoria Augerea (U17), Fidelma Bob, Erica Amos, Hannah Kalua, Lesyanne Iamo, Helen Uru, Marina Boino, Evodia Philimon (U21).
Notable inclusions in the senior divisions are Anne Amos, Reina Anderson, Jenny Magatu, Daniella Ila, Kalisther Uru and only Pepe Nerida Adula. Senior squad: Defenders – Vavine Au, Reina Anderson, Erica Amos (U21, Carol Kori, Joyce Mape, Jasmine Roplaen, Kalisita Uru, Dulcie Mangil, Salome Songake, Benedina Tamari, Martha Kinu, Wari Vala; Mid-court – Talitha Romaso, Fidelma Bob (U21), Daniella Ila, Cindy Adula, Stacy Alu, Christine Oscar, Tui Walo, Florie Samoa, Georgina Niesi, Dianne Esdumae, Lanie Bogia, Pauline Ali, Rosie Konisimo, Cathy Ernest, Cecilia Bulage, Norma Oliver, Lilian Kori, Anne Amos, Nerida Adula; Shooters – Jenny Magatu, Rova Ravo, Anna Au, Elsie Taule, Nettie Sao, Ruby Lucas, Barbara Mire, Betty Aisi.