Pepes start campaign with solid victory

 By HENRY MORABANG

THE Papua New Guinea Pepes started their campaign on a high note, defeating the Solomon Islands 68-25 on Day 1 of the 2015 Pacific Games netball competition held at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium yesterday afternoon.

Led by captain Lua Rikis, the national netball team wasted no time in showing their superiority on the court, racing away 20-4 in the opening quarter.

Goalshooter Tiata Baldwin used her towering frame over the Solomon Islanders to easily pot in point after point. 

She was assisted well in the shooting circle by Rikis.

The shooting pair was well-supported by centre Nerrie Adula, who made her debut for the country in style and was ably backed by wing attack Jacklyn Lahari in ensuring they scored with ease.

Nothing must be taken away from the Solomon Islanders, who were making their debut with a classic display of on-court tactics but failed to convert them into points.

Centre Judith Mamuli and goal shooter Shalom Waita were outstanding for the Solomon Islands. 

Despite the loss, coach Annie Iamo was pleased with the overall performance of the team. Pepes coach Unaisi Rokoura used the Solomon Islands game to introduce some young blood to gain experience and be comfortable at the Pacific Games level.

Jeperth Tulapi, Herronie Daera, Susan Wellington and Margaret Eka were given game time in each of the quarters, to support Rikis, Kilala Owen and Raka Nope.

PNG defenders in Owen and Nope were outstanding in denying their opponents from scoring goals.

PNG had an outstanding three quarters to win the match easily. 

In the second quarter, Pepes piled in another 20 points to extend the lead to 40-10 at half time.

In the third quarter, the Rokoura-coached team sailed away with 55-17 before winning the game easily with a 68-25 in the final quarter of the match.

Scores for the other games: Samoa thrashed Tonga 88-21, Fiji beat Vanuatu 100-15. 

The Cook Islands and Tonga game was still underway at press time last night. 

Day 2 matches continue today at the PNG Power Dome.