Telstars veteran makes an impact

 By KYMLIE KARANI

ESCO Telstars towering sharp shooter Gamini Koroka earned her side a slender one-point victory over Digicel Sparrows on Saturday in the Port Moresby Netball Association competition.

The girls in blue pushed the defending champions all the wayand the game was in the balance until the last minute but it was the Koroka’s composure under the ring  – after being injected into the game in the third quarter – that was the difference.

The 44-year-old came in with her side six points in arrears and set about reeling in the deficit.

She took on an all-Pepes defensive pair of Kilala Owen and  19-year-old Margaret Eka in a high quality tussle that saw every pass and shoot desparately contested. 

Sparrows came into the match with their strongest line-up featuring Jacklyn Lahari and 15-year-old shooter Jephat Tulapi, former national squad members Alurigo Opina and Aivu Logona, Dianne Lahari, Courtney Abel and veteran Naomi Leka.

Sparrows held sway right through to the third quarter when Koroka came in for Toka Aua-Kini.

Sparrows youngster Kimberly Alex executed well in midcourt cleaning up loose balls and linking well with her teammates on attack.

The last quarter of the game saw both teams struggle to maintain momentum.

Nerves got the better of Sparrows as they committed errors lost possession allowing Telstars back in the game.

The other premier matches were high scoring affairs, City Pharmacy Rebels belted Snax Mermaids 63-51, Monier Paramana beat Raukele 76-62 while Veupunama beat 72-67.