Mermaids come back to end Telstars’ premiership hopes

By JACK AMI
THE Mermaids’ experience proved the difference as they clinched a 50-47 win over the Telstars in the Port Moresby Netball Association premier division semifinal on Saturday.
Despite a slow start at the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex, the Mermaids cut down on their errors and exerted better control to come back in the remaining two quarters and end the Telstars’ premiership campaign.
The Mermaids await the loser of Wednesday’s match between the Sparrows and Rebels, with the winner advancing to the final.
The Telstars, arguably the most improved premier outfit this season, bowed out graciously.
PNG Pepes duo Jeperth Tulapi and Rayleen Andrew worked overtime to trouble Telstars defenders Julianne Diro and Ravusiro Vali.
The combination was effective, with Tulapi and Andrew making most of their opportunities count.
Telstars shooters Boio Peter and Eva Aua were up against defenders Tau Galewa and Isabelle Andrew, who came up with the plays to keep the Mermaids’ noses in front.
Mermaids mid-court of centre Kila Leka, wing attack Richardah Kassman and Nancy Beaso showed patience to snuff out the Telstars’ fast pack in the likes of Amanda Tau, Athalya Kila and Philomena Naime.
Victorious coach Pole Kassman said: “We wanted to win and it all came through hard work in the final two crucial quarters.”
“We were down one point in the first quarter and at halftime.
“It was good that we had to work on our defence and cut down on errors.
“We used our experience and showed patience to win.
“They are good young side. They troubled us in the first two quarters and that was a wake-up call for us.”
Gracious in defeat, Telstars veteran coach Veitu Diro conceded that silly errors and inexperience had caused them the game.
“We did better than last season,” she said.
“We came this far this season, thanks to the improvement made by our young players and coaching staff.”