Telstars put down Rebel-ion

By JACK AMI
ESCO Telstars dethroned City Pharmacy Rebels 62-54 to bag their 39th premiership in Port Moresby premier netball grand final at the Rita Flynn courts on Saturday.
It all happened in the third quarter as Telstars made use of their experienced players which paid dividends.
The first quarter was evenly contested with Telstars leading by a point 13-12 while Rebels reversed the score line in the second quarter taking the lead 29-25.
At the end of the third quarter the teams were locked at 44 points a piece.
The introduction of veteran Mona Lisa-Leka and basketball convert Maka Muri by Telstars coach Lydia Veali added that last quarter spark to the Telstars.
Down by four points, Leka combined effectively with centre Emily Maha, getting clean ball to goal shooter Gamini Koroka who potted 18 points to get her team in the lead.
Rebels coach Salome Mavara took a chance on her young charges but at times it looked like some steady hands would better steer the ship.
Rebels young centre Celsie Rapilla and wing defence Mary Pirika felt the pinch of a premier grand final, with both teenagers committing errors at crucial stages of the game.
That instability coupled with Telstars mid-court dominance ensured the girls in blue were not able to keep pace with the scoring in the final quarter.
Telstars mid-court department in Maha and Muri until replaced by Kairuku netball import Philomena Naime, had the upper hand dictating play at mid-court.
Banking on their experience player in Koroka, Leka, Raka Nope and Mimi Ori made a huge difference in both attack and defence.
For the Rebels, Mavara sisters Lua Rikis and Winnie contributed well in all four quarters.
Telstars, who had bagged the minor premiership several weeks ago had more to celebrate with all their junior divisions coming out victorious in their respective age group grand finals.
Telstars defeated Sparrows 13-10 in the Under-13A final, stopped Hetura 15-12 in U15A final, beat Tatana 13-7 in the U15B final and edged out Snax Mermaids 13-12 in U17A final while they lost to Kelekoupa in the Division 4 final 26-24.
The results of the other grand finals are: Raukele 26 Poinimo 22 in Division One, Sparrows beat Oro Birdwings in Division 2, Tamariki 28 Mermaids 18 28-18, United 27 Gavouone 21 in Division 5 final, while Kawaimini 28 Kempa 22 in Division 6 final.