Telstars end Sparrows bid

 By HUXLEY LOVAI
TELSTARS and Paramana won their semifinal matches in the Port Moresby Netball Association premier division over the weekend.
The third-placed Telstars beat number four team Sparrows 43-38, and second-placed Paramana took down minor premiers Mermaids 57-51.
Paramana booked their place in the final and await the winner of next week’s playoff between Telstars and Mermaids.
Telstar and Paramana played with intent and vigour in their semi-finals fixtures, overcoming their opponents with convincing goal margins.
During the first semi-final, Sparrows’ Stacey Haeremai and Joyce Nao’s shooting was erratic while the Telstars shooting pair of Boio Peter and Alleertine Ehare sunk more of their shots.
But they didn’t have it all their way as they had to work hard to get past the formidable goal defence of Sparrows veteran Kilala Owen.
Telstars midcourt controlled the middle and goal-thirds as centre Kimberly Alex and wing defence Philomina Naime intercepted passes and disrupted Sparrows flow.
Alex was instrumental in her team’s victory as she distributed the ball in her unflustered style.
The second semi-final was between the top two team teams, which saw Paramana stamping their authority on the match early on.
The Mermaids made changes to their usual starting line-up, and this was exploited by Paramana.
Mermaid’s usual shooter Jeperth Tulapi played at goal defence, partnering Kapu Kapi.
Despite their best efforts, they were unable to contain Paramana shooters Marie Ottio and Kula Iamo.
The mid-court of Paramana were just as dominant as captain and wing defence Gasi Moka, centre Shanna Dringo and wing attack Renagi Mulina conducted play from the centre and goal spreading the ball across the court and stretching the Mermaids defence.