Netballers hope to make final cut

By JACK AMI
TWENTY-five netballers are hoping to secure final spots in the Papua New Guinea team to the Oceania U21 World Cup Qualifiers in June.
The current train-on squad will be trimmed down to a final 15 next month.
The regional qualifiers will be in Fiji with the World Cup next year.
The squad resumes training today at 3.30pm at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
Netball PNG president Ulato Avei announced a 29-member train-on squad on Sunday after two days of trials over the weekend in Port Moresby. The squad was then trimmed to 25 yesterday.
The PNG U21 coach is Annie Iamo with assistants Winnie Mavara, Margaret Opina and Helen Edwards — all former Pepes.
Netball selectors have included three players from Brisbane — shooter Nancy Alu, mid-court Mary Ellen Bonser and defender Hannah Barreto.
The train-on squad is dominated by Port Moresby Netball Association players and also includes players from Kairuku-Hiri, Rigo, Abau, Alotau and Motu-Koita West.
Former Pepe Lydia Veali is team manager and is assisted by Kinibo Nou. Netball PNG Selectors Loi Vele and Pole Kassman picked a side brimming with players who play senior grade netball.
PNG U21 squad: Shooters – Alice James (Kairuku-Hiri), Goloa Ovoa (Abau), Evanelia Aua (POMNA), Paiga Poti (Rigo), Alendra Ligo (POMNA), Ravumailu Noka (POMNA), Rowena Vele (Kairuku Hiri), Nancy Alu (Brisbane); Mid-court – Louise Maliaki (POMNA), Teffi Andrew (POMNA), Mary Ellen Bonser (Brisbane), Rebecca Joseph (Rigo), Talima Gulo-Vui (POMNA), Chontelle Uvau (POMNA), Talmay Tapea (Abau), Boio Roberts (POMNA), Charmaine Mark (Alotau); Defenders – Hannah Barreto (Brisbane), Genevivie Ume (POMNA), Shannez Apelis (POMNA), Alu Irau (POMNA), Poka Ernest (Rigo), Emmanuela Oala (Motu-Koita West), Barbie Michael (Abau), Kevau Tamarua (Motu-Koita West).