Pepe-rich Mermaids too strong

By JACK AMI

THE Mermaids proved too strong for a young Veupunama side with a hefty 54-22 win in Port Moresby premier netball on Saturday.

Mermaids were unstoppable as they combined effectively and dominated both attack and defence over the four quarters.

It was PNG Pepes’ squad member Mary Paul Beuhler who potted an impressive 28 points and Kapa Maiua with 26 points.

The Lae Biscuit-sponsored side led 44-22 at halftime and looked to put an avalanche of points on the girls in black but a committed defensive effort from Veupunama minimised the threat.

Mermaids midcourt Nancy Kapa, Richardah Kassman and Rachael Kapi linked well with shooters Maiua and Beuhler and had the better of their opposites.

Veupunama’s Carol Arivusu, Barbara Arivusu and Rava Agi tried hard but could not match a side that boasted several Pepes Tau Galewa and Kapu Kapi on the defensive circle checking out their shooters Tueni Vala (13 points) and Tania Maha (9) and giving them scant room to operate.

This was the contributing factor with the young Veupunama side that lacked in experience but was enthusiastic throughout.

In the other encounters Monier Paramana escaped from a much improved Aroma Coast 33-29 and Digicel Sparrows were given the points when Raukele failed to turn up.