Rebels surge to win over Telstars

By MARTHA DERUAGE
CITY Pharmacy Rebels beat NAS Telstars 59-53 in their the Port Moresby Netball Association premier grade clash at Rita Flynn courts yesterday.
Though Telstars were young and energetic, it was experience that gave the Rebels victory.
Rebels coach Oti Lasagavibau was impressed with her side for executing the game plan well against Telstars.
“We were looking forward to this game, after beating Veupunama on Saturday (53-31), we were prepared and I think the team executed what we plan,” Lasagavibau said.
“We may not be that fast but we had to rely on our experience and our mental game so I am pleased with every one and the consistency of our shooters.”
With veteran Lua Rikis and Rose Seseare at the shooting end, they kept the score ticking over throughout the four quarters while Telstars had Boio Peter and Vali keeping up with the Rebels pair.
The first quarter saw Rebels lead 17-11, and they managed to stay on top by four points (29-25) by half time.
In the third quarter, Telstars’ defence started to get ragged and they allowed Rebels to increase the lead to eight points (47-39).
Rebels kep the lead to win 53-59.
Telstars coach Veitu Diro said her side were competitive over the first two quarters but slipped in the second half.
“We’ve beaten Rebels before and we looked forward to the game but some mistakes and defence cost us,” Diro said.