Rebels make POM netball final

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The National, Wednesday 29th August, 2012

By JACK AMI
PORT Moresby netball reigning champions City Pharmacy Rebels beat rival Monier Paramana 54-39 in the preliminary final over the weekend.
At the Rita Flynn netball courts, Rebels were ahead of Paramana in all four quarters: 14-9, 21-16, 39-28 and 54-39.
The Salome Mavara-coached side will now defend the crown against Esco Telstars in the grand final this Saturday.
PNG Pepes captain Lua Mavara-Rikis was in top form posting 50 points from 57 attempts to snuff out the opposition in a powerhouse performance.
But it was 17-year-old St Joseph’s International School grade 11 student Celsie Rapilla who played well beyond her years, controlling play in mid-court with support from sisters Mari Pirika (WA) and Mary Pirika (WD).
That resulted in Mavara potting vital points and with assistance from Kila Rawali (GA) putting opposition defenders Ravu Raula and Susan Wellington under pressure.
Paramana shooters Marie Ottio potted 19 points before retiring in the fourth quarter, leaving the goal scoring responsibilities on Gewa Raula and Kula Iamo who were denied valuable possession to score points.
Rebels’ defenders (GD) Winnie Mavara (Rikis’ sister) and (GK) Walo Tapua mounted pressure on their opponents that paid dividends for them in the end.
Paramana could not get their game going as (C) Gasi Moka, (WD) Rakara Raula and (WA) Renagi Dringo’s combination on many occasion was not effective.
In division two, Oro Bird Wing’s young shooter Letisha Gaia engineered her side to edge out Mona 32-29 and will meet Digicel Sparrows in the grand final.
It is believed that a win or loss will still elevate the Oro team to the premier division next year.
For division three Matariki beat Paramana 30-25 and in division six Kawaimini stopped Hamera 26-13.