Veupunama face big test against Rebels at Rita Flynn

By JACK AMI
VEUPUNAMA are in for an acid test when they face the City Pharmacy Rebels in round nine of Port Moresby Netball Association premier competition at the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex tomorrow.
Veupunama, arguably the most improved team this season, have given top sides like Telstars, Sparrows and Mermaids a good run for their money.
Saturday’s encounter is going to be a thriller and both sides will feature future prospects who are in fine form this season.
Veupunama coach Margaret Opina said: “We are going out there to play to the best of our ability with the young talent we have.
“It’s about sticking to the game plan and doing the small things right throughout the match.
“We really want to win this encounter and keep up with the third or fourth spot which is still up for grabs between us, the Rebels and Mermaids.”
Rebels coach Oti Sarufa is grooming a lot of youngsters and is yet to find the right combination to deliver good results on a consistent basis. Sarufa said the experience of Jacklyn Lahari and Serena Ovia should give them an edge but that would depend on their availability. The duo are nursing injuries.
“We don’t underestimate any of our opponents as they are a quality sides,” she said.
“We just need to stick to what works best for us and put in a solid performance throughout the match.”
In the other fixtures, Telstars should beat Aroma Coast Plus and Sparrows are expected to ease past Paramana.
The unbeaten Telstars are leading the seven-team competition. Behind them are Sparrows, Mermaids, Veupunama, Rebels, Paramana and Aroma Coast Plus.