Rebels take on Sparrows for spot in POMNA final

By MARTHA DERUAGE
The Rebels face the Sparrows in the Port Moresby Netball Association (POMNA) premier division semifinal at the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex today.
The Sparrows have been consistent throughout the season, securing 33 competition points to clinch the minor premiership.
The Rebels settled for second after finishing the regular season with 29 points.
Sparrows coach Julianne Leka-Maliaki praised her charges for claiming the minor premiership, but urged them to remain focussed for the game.
“Our preparations have been going well over past weeks,” Leka-Maliaki said.
“We will be focusing on our defence.
“We will try to make sure that our shooting accuracy is 80 per cent or better to execute our game plan.
“The finals are all about making less errors, tightening up in defence and executing the game plan. We know the Rebels is a competitive team, so we’re looking forward to face them.”
The Sparrows will rely on Courtney Abel and Kilala Owen to put their opponents off their game.
In the shooteing department, the Sparrows have young Mary Leka and Joyce Nao, who will face Rebels veteran Lua Rikis.
The Rebels will rely on the experience of former Pepe Winnie Mavara in midcourt.
Rebels coach Oti Lasagavibau said her players were looking forward to face the Sparrows.
“The team will cut down on their errors and work in defence to get a positive result,” Lasagavibau said.
“We would like to thank our sponsor, City Pharmacy Limited, for its support.”
The winners take on the Mermaids in the grand final.
The losers face the Telstars for second place.