Vabukori, Fairfax net volleyball crowns

The National Sports
Fairfax captain Perpetua Awadu attempting a block against National Capital District Volleyball Association in the Bank South Pacific Women’s National Volleyball Championship final at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby on Tuesday night. – Pictures courtesy of BSP

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Bank South Pacific National Volleyball Championships completed the finals for the open divisions with Fairfax (women) and Vabukori (men) triumphing in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Vabukori returned to their former glory as champions after beating reigning premiers Fairfax 3-2 in the men’s final.

National Capital District Volleyball Association’s Wari Pala attempting a block against Fairfax.

But the match was continuously disrupted by unruly spectators at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby.
Following a decision from the venue management to halt the men’s final, the match on Tuesday started at 9.30pm.
However, the continuous disturbances by spectators forced another delay in the third set with the match ending at 12.30am yesterday.
Under captain Junior Gima, Vabukori proved too strong with Junior Tara, Tau Muri and Kala Kila boosting their attack against John Soi and his Fairfax. Meanwhile, the women’s final saw Fairfax reclaim the title after beating reigning champions National Capital District Volleyball Association 3-2 in a replay of last year’s final.
Fairfax women’s coach Alex Gima said after the match that they did not focus on seeking revenge heading into the final.
“Most of the girls wanted revenge,” he said.
“But I told them that revenge was beside the point.
“All we needed to do was give our best and make sure we got a win.
“I know the strengths of all my players.

Fairfax captain Perpetua Awadu (9) failing to block a shot by National Capital District Volleyball Association.

“We knew we had a big challenge ahead of us so I told my players that they had to compete throughout the final.
“We have some good hitters like Carolyn (Kila).
“I knew that she would make a difference in the team.
“So I told my setters to give three or four sets to her before switching to the other players to keep our opposition guessing.”