Telstars eye return to the top

 By KYMLIE KARANI

DEFENDING premier queens of the Port Moresby Netball city competition, Esco Telstars are set to claim back their title this year as round one of the season proper starts.

With a history of winning 30 premierships in the years 45 years since the establishing of the association, the women in red are determined to carry on that legacy under the watchful eyes of Papua New Guinea netball veteran and coach, Veitu Diro.

Telstars, comprising of former internationals Raka Nope, Lama Lua, PMMI Pepe Albertine Ehari and the talented and upcoming Philomena Naime, will be teaming up this weekend as they take on newcomers Raukele on Saturday.

In the main game, Sparrows, with the likes of Dianne Kala-Lahari, Margaret Eka and Kilala Owen face a threat Snax Mermaids, who have talented Marypaul Beurlher, Nancy Kapi and the experienced Richandah Kassman dictating play for her team.

2012 runners-up CPL Rebels will take on Aroma Coast, while Paramana plays Veupunama.

POMNA is the principle netball competition run each year with 135 teams that compete in the junior, senior and several open divisions, affiliated under the PNG Netball Federation.  

With several open and junior divisions and with sister associations around the country, POMNA is committed to the development of netball in the country.

The eight main clubs that make up the premier division are Esco Telstars, Paramana, CPL Rebels, Sparrows and Snax Mermaids, Veupunama, Aroma Coast and Raukele.