NCD beat Tatana to seal beach volleyball gong

National Capital District Volleyball Association’s (NCDVA) Team Two stunned Tatana 2-1 in the grand final to win the men’s title at the Bank South Pacific National Beach Volleyball Championships in Port Moresby yesterday.
The two-day tournament which ended yesterday saw nine teams competing in the men’s division and six sides in the women’s category.
In the men’s division, the NCDVA Team Two finished first in their pool with three wins to meet fellow pool winners Tatana, who recorded four straight wins and no losses.
For Tatana, it was the experience of Richard Batari and athleticism of young Harry Omoa which saw them dominate their pool.
But it wasn’t enough to match the NCDVA Team Two, who had experienced hands in Loi Walo and Tony Gima.
National representative Gima showed his class with powerful spikes.
Walo, who is also a former national representative, was also handy with his blocks which made it tough for Batari and Omoa to score points.
Walo’s defence frustrated Tatana into making miscalculated plays as they tried to find space.
The game was in the balance with Tatana winning the second set to restore parity with NCDVA Team, who took out the opener.
But it was NCDVA Team Two’s speed and accuracy which proved the difference in the third set as they went on the seal the win.
Only teams from volleyball associations in NCD and Central competed at the championships.
Tournament director Ronald Omoa said the tournament saw young talent and experienced players gaining exposure and refining their skills.
Despite other centres not participating in the tournament, Omoa said he was hopeful for a better turnout from next year.