Mermaids bounce back to sink Telstars

 By HUXLEY LOVAI
Mermaids defeated a determined Telstars 51-42 in Saturday’s premier division match-of-the-round in the Port Moresby Netball Association.
Competition leaders Mermaids were made to work hard for every goal, but Telstars were eager to claim the scalp of the top team.
The first two quarters were dominated by Telstars as their mid court trio, led by centre Kimberly Alex, were able to stretch the Mermaids defenders with their quick and accurate passing to find their shooters Martha Matuka and Boio Peter.
Telstars defenders Rawa Stoi and Raka Nope kept the Mermaids goal-scoring opportunities to a minimum.
At half-time, Telstars led Mermaids 26-18.
Although on the back foot in the early stages of the match, the Mermaids soon regained their composure and started to stamp their dominance on the match in the final two quarters.
Mermaids centre pairing of Nancy Kapi and Kila Leka led the ascendency of their team as they dominated play in the centre third.
This allowed shooters Japhet Tulapi and Rayleen Andrew to carry their team to a nine-point victory over Telstars.
Tulapi and Andrew’s efforts in both attack and defence typified the  fighting spirit shown by the whole team.
In the other premier division results, Monier Paramana defeated Rebels 65-57, while Sparrows defeated Raukele 53-44.
In the upset of the round, Aroma Coast Plus defeated Mona 43-39.