Mermaids grind out gritty victory

 By KYMLIE KARANI

SNAX Mermaids had to put extra effort to grind out a convincing 45-43 win over Esco Telstars in Port Moresby premier netball competition at Rita Flynn Courts yesterday. 

Mermaids came fighting in the last two quarters to eventual beat their arch rivals by two points in the last quarter.

In the other tough match, City Pharmacy Rebels ran over Monier Paramana 47-37.

Rebels with starting line-up of Winnie Mavara at goal defence, Daisy Ole at goal keeper and Kalyna Taule at wing defence all pressing on Paramana shooters Renagi Dringo and Vavine Iamo.

The first quarter saw Rebels take a 14-10 lead. Despite Paramana putting up a fight in the second quarter, minor errors cost them dearly that saw Rebels capitalise.

Rebels shot up in the third quarter with goal attack Caroline Pirika playing alongside Pepes’ Lua Rikis, to score the points to extend their lead to 39-24.

It was more intense in the last quarter with Rebels’ Kila Rawali and Paramana’s Gasi Moka making every attempt to get the loose balls to their shooters. 

Paramana’s goal keeper Susuan Wellington kept Rikis on her toes but it was too late for Paramana as Rebels got past Paramana 47-37 at full time.

In the other premier matches, Digicel Sparrows defeated Global Construction Aroma Coast 52-28 while Veupunama hammered Raukele 55-36.