Paramana hand Telstars second consecutive loss

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Monday 26th of May, 2014

 By WENDY KATUSELE

DEFENDING champions Telstars suffered their second consecutive loss at the hands of Paramana in Port Moresby netball competition on Saturday.

Telstars found themselves on the end of a clinical Paramana who  sailed away with a convincing 45-27 win.

In another upset Rebels without their regular players Lua Rikis, Winnie Mavara, Marinama Maha and Kalyna Taule fell prey to lowly Raukele 48-42; Mermaids thrashed Veupunama 68-25 and Sparrows crushed Aroma Coast 52-31.

For Telstars, they lost the match in the second quarter as Paramana stepped up their defence and instigated a top-finishing attack on court. Telstars led 10-9 in the first quarter but a few changes in both camps in the second quarter saw the tide change. 

For Paramana coached by Ani Iamo, pictured, it worked wonders for the women from the Abau coastline as replacement shooter Marie Ottio and goalattack Renagi Ila made sure of the vital shots resulting in a 23-16 lead. Telstars’ changes in substitute goal shooter Kope Mope taking over from Raka Nope, who switched to goal attack failed to put the champions in the race simply following an improved defence by goal defender Ravu Raula and and goal keeper Courtney Tova.

Raula and Tova worked extra hard in the next two quarters to make sure Telstars shooters had few opportunities. Paramana were a better coordinated side following last weekend’s loss at the hands of Sparrows and the win restores the lost pride.

All efforts by Telstars to stay in contention were in vain as Paramana continued their attack with outstanding shooter Ila potting in the necessary goals from everywhere in the circle.

Defender and international basketball player Julienne Diro was the hard trier of the day