Sparrows trounce Veupunama in Moresby netball competition

PREMIERSHIP contenders Digicel Sparrows, made their intentions known when they thumped a lacklustre Veupunama 57-26 in the premier netball competition in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Sparrows’ goal-shooter Daphne Hungrabos put on a much improved performance, top scoring in each quarter to help her team rack up the points for a convincing victory.
In the opening quarter, the lanky New Irelander scored eight of her side’s 13 points to put them in front while her opposite on the other end of the court Daisy Raymond and Tania Maha (GA) of Veupunama managed only five points each.
Hungrabos’ eight goals were complemented by partner Rhoda Kerea’s five.
In the second quarter, Sparrows scored 11 points to extend the lead while Veupunama slotted eight to trail 24-13 at half time.
In the third and fourth quarters, the flood gates opened as Sparrows kept on the offensive, piling on 33 points to take the game away from the opposition. Sparrows scored 15 points in the third quarter while in the final quarter; they did not look back and scored 18 points to put them in a comfortable position to win the match.
Sparrows Caroline Genaia (WA), Naomi Taviri-Leka (C), Tau Galewa (GD) and Kilala Owen (WD) played strongly to deny Veupunama.
In the second premier netball clash between Snax Mermaids and Monier Paramana, the latter proved too strong, winning 45-41.
Paramana goal-shooter Geua Raula had a strong game under the ring with the assistance of Marie Ottio (GA).
Mermaids’ Rayleen Andrew (GS) was kept quiet by the Paramana defence throughout the match.
Despite the tactics applied, the game was closely contested by both teams.
In the first quarter, Paramana were up by three points 10-7, and in the second quarter it was a 21-20 lead.
The third quarter saw Paramana still up by a point 31-30. In the final quarter, Mermaids rallied but Paramana kept their noses in front to finish 45-41.
In the last match, City Pharmacy Rebels proved their championship mettle by defeating former champions Esco Telstars 58-54.