Paramana sink Mermaids in netball thriller

Paramana sank Mermaids 58-52, to come out winners in the tier one match of the round in the Port Moresby Netball Association premier division on Wednesday night.
The second-placed Paramana avenged their two previous losses to the tier one leaders in convincing fashion.
The six-point win came about as a result of a dominant display by the Paramana mid-court featuring centre Shanna Dringo, captain Gasi Moka and Vavine Pianta.
The trio kept up the pressure on the Mermaids’ closing down space available to their opponents.
Paramana’s passing game came up on top as the mid-court supplied their shooters Maire Ottio, Kula Iamo and Rowena Djengozov who made their advantage count in front of goal.
However, the resilient Mermaids kept them honest with swarming defence forcing Paramana to turn over possession.
Wing defence Michelle Mark and goal keeper Isabelle Andrew were standout performers for Mermaids, chasing down every loose ball and not giving the opposition a moment’s rest.
Eventually they were unable to contain Dringo and Moka who led Paramana to a strong finish in the final quarter.
Paramana coach Renagi Mulina said the team was happy to get a win over Mermaids after two consecutive defeats.
“It was a good win, we didn’t have the best preparations during the week. But during training we forced more on defence rather than attack,” Mulina said.
Results: Tier one – Sparrows 34 Telstars 34; tier two – Rebels 49 Mona 29, Raukele 38 Veupunama 28.