NBC claim maiden title with five-point win over NFA

By JACK AMI
NATIONAL Broadcasting Corporation beat National Fisheries Authority 27-22 to claim their first Public Servants Netball Association premier division title at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex on Saturday.
After two failed attempts in 2008 against Department of Finance and 2014 against Department of Works it was third time lucky in season 2019-2020.
The Lillian Yaruso-coached side had the form on the board having claimed the minor premiership by finishing top of the table after the regular season and capped off an impressive season with a victory in the decider.
Goal attack Genevieve Ume was named best shooter while Sonia Sawaraba was named best defender.
Coach Yaruso said she took over the reins of the team in 1999 and she was proud to have finally guided the team to a title after 20 seasons.
She added that it was also pleasing because they beat the side (NFA) who beat them in the major semifinal.
Yaruso said shooters Ume and Keleni Ipai combined effectively after Ipai was switched from defence to a shooting role replacing Ronda Nohoro.
Mid-courter Rachael Kida shifted to defender to partner Sawariba and that tactical change allowed NBC to significantly improve on defence with NFS shooters Sarufa Eka Tore and Vavine Iamo kept under constant pressure.
NBC led 14-10 at halftime.
NFS had their moments capitalising on the opposition’s errors and ensured Tore and Iamo managed to score consistently over the first two quarters but the broadcasters kept their noses in front.
NBC’s mid-court of Kila Vela, Maimu Nou Hannah Kila had the edge on Fisheries’ Cathy Solomon, Maria Alu and Dorothy Genorupa with a better passing game and options beinbg the differebce.
NBC managing director Kora Nou congratulated the team for winning the premier division grand final.
He said the board and management would continue to support their netball team.
“This team is not only made up of NBC staff but other departments as well and I thank them for their commitment,” Nou said.