We are the Champions - BSP are PCNC Premier Division Champions

And that's the way it ended,

After a grueling day of PCNC Grand Finals which started at around 9:00 on Saturday morning, the main game was ready to be contested by two of the premier divisions powerhouse clubs, BSP and Brian Bell, it was BSP who were able once again take the podium and claim the big prize.

(above) "We've done it", Nina Vele and Madeliene Topelemu

embrace as the final hooter sounds.

They had watched a carnival of netball being played out before them and for many who had come through the divisions it was like the appetiser before the real thing, the prelude to the prize fight.  When it came time, all eye's were on the two tents perched on opposite ends of court 2, the unmistakable lime green of PNG's biggest bank and the trademark Coleman tent of Port Moresby's specialist retailer, Brian Bell.

This was the pinnacle of a season of real challenging moments and spectacular highlights, delays, controversy and magic.  The stories are so many that we'd have to create a special website for them, but in the end there was two left standing in each division, one of which would have the prestige of being this season's champions.

 

Brian Bell who were outright leaders two weeks prior to the round 1 break, fell from grace just as quickly as they got there and it was pretty much curtains for them half way through round 2, but the unpredictability of the the game saw other teams losing critical games at the most inopportune time and the result was a scraping through into fourth spot for the retailer's at the end of round 2.  Success in the next two games against very strong opposition in the likes of Fairdeal Liquor and Air Niugini shot them to a perch even they didn't expect to have, that of grand finalists in season 2009/2010.  This gave them the heart because they certainly had the skills and the personnel to take BSP.

BSP have been this seasons most consistent performer and their claim to a grand final spot was assured midway through round 2.  This does not mean they've had it all their way this year, far from it, they ascension have been off the back of hard fought wins.  Consistency has been the green machine's greatest allie and they have been fortunate enough to carry it through to another premiership victory.

Brian Bell came out firing on all cylinders and the eyebrows were raised at the 1st quarter break when the scores were locked up 9-9.  Brian Bell were making a statement with strong defense, lightning quick attack and great skills in midcourt.  BSP were in for a hell of a fight if they were to take this final and that's what they did.

Every passage of play in this grand final  was contested with the intensity expected at this level, the physical contest, the skills on display and the passion in each player's effort made this an excellent grand final to watch.  The sweat and grind, the shoving and positioning of players and the extraordinary athleticism on display made it all the more exceptional.

Unfortunately, there always has to be a winner and a loser in these events and for the Brian Bell ladies, that became evident midway through the final quarter as BSP's accuracy and stronger midcourt play started to make inroads into their defences.  BSP's Jacklyn Hape was exceptional on Saturday and with Renagi Dringo-Mulina directing traffic in the shooting circle, was able to really make their presence felt.


Betty Kila playing keeper for most of the match and Cecilia Agelavu as GD were tireless in their defence of the BSP hoop always putting pressure on Brian Bells star shooter, Lina Raka and attack Lale Ula.   Caroline Genaia played her heart out defending the hoop for Brian Bell using all her experience to upstage the BSP attack but a lack of communication with her keeper allowed the BSP attack to sneak through on many sorties and undoing her hard work.

As the song goes "I've paid my dues, time after time ........For we are the Champions my friend, and we'll keep on fighting till the end, we are the champions, we are the champions, no place for losers for we are the champions ....... of the world"

(above) Members of team BSP pose for a picture

BSP are the PCNC Premier division champions for 2009/2010

And indeed they are, well done BSP on a fine display of hard work, teamwork, sportsmanship and grace.  Brian Bell were wonderful adversaries and gracious losers, enjoying a friendship off the courts as strong as the contest on it.


The final score 37 - 30 to BSP.  A great win to the green machine, a great win to the individuals and a great win to netball.

Stories for all the other divisions and images will be published shortly.

From Dis"Able" to Super"Able"

One of the more interesting stories emerging from this years competition is from Division 6, where Saturdays match-up will be between the divisions consistent front runner Western Powers and what were the divisions cellar dwellers until game 2 of round 2, the Able Computing Lawin's.

Until that particular moment, the Lawins had not won a game.  TCS' disqualification, which made the playing field a more level one and a change in attitude (and a new coach) gave the computer retailers the edge they needed and they were suddenly waken from their slumber.  The result was some impressive wins at the back end of round 2 and with penalty points, they managed squeeze in to the final four on the slimmest of margins.


From there, their confidence has flourished beating third placed NSL the previous week and then on Sunday beating Esco 2 to book a place at the table on Saturday  morning at 11:00.


Helen Launch-Havora, has been the catalyst that has galvanised this team of part time netballer's, moulding a small team with a heart for the game to rise from their doldrums to eventually be Grand Finalists for their division.

(above) Able Lawins in red bibs in action against Esco (blue bibs) last week

Western Power on the other hand have had a dream run this season beating all except TCS in their lead up to claiming the divisions minor premier title for this season.  Having changed their uniforms from the pastel blue and orange of Sustainable Energy to the Green and Yellow of SDP and Western Power, these young ladies have quietly proved their worth and have been great sports-women as well.

(above) Western Power (green and yellow) in action during the season

Western Power are clear favourites for this game with their youth and style.  On both occasions that the teams have met this season, Western Powers has beaten Able, just, and so the stage is set perhaps for the Lawins to give Western Power's a good run for their money.

Don't miss any of the games this weekend then you won't be disappointed.

Bemobile Impresses At The Finish

It's pretty hard not to notice them around town in their distinctive orange and purple corporate colours, the weirdest combination of hues to have flashing around town, but you must admit they catch the public's attention.


They were at it again, but this time in a great show of support for their team that were playing for their lives and the right to play in their first grand final.  Their first and in the first year that the "orange men" or should we say "orange women" visited the PCNC competition.

They were there early taking over the stretch of turf that Brian Bell had conveniently couched for much of this season, no doubt annoying the hell out of the retailers, who were relegated to setting up their hutchie closer to the carpark. The sun-brollies went up early with the mood quickly gearing to prepare the ladies for the contest.

Their confidence was palpable and their keenness was demonstrated both on an off the court, before and after the game and in their supporters of family, friends and workmates.  As good sports they were happy to embrace the days activities and having won the right to contest the Grand Final in their first year had to add to the success of the day.

 Their opponents, Reno's are no push-over's mind you and had worked hard especially in the second round to claim 2nd spot on the divisional ladder at the close of game 7 of round 2, but this day belonged to the "orange women" as they ran away with the second turn 23 - 5 to now take on the divisions giants Coffey International in next weeks Grand Final.

At their brilliant best, were expecting the fur to fly early as Coffey will not want to let Bemobile get away to an early lead.  The game is one of the days opener's so be there early to get in both the flavour and the mood.  you never know, you might even score yourself a mobile phone or credits in the pre-game throw-aways...........  Grand Final style.  They do have several secret weapons though and they happen to have the initials, PSNA ........  Hmmm, I wonder.

I guess we can count on seeing this fired up mob again this Saturday, somewhere near the hoop.

Draws for PCNC Grand Finals - Saturday

The PCNC Grand Finals will be held this SATURDAY at the Bisini Courts.

POMNA have graciously permitted the PCNC to hold over their competition to allow the PCNC to complete their's. Normally this would have occured just prior to the POMNA season ends and after the PSNA have completed theirs but as things would have it, delays from last year particularly, resulted in an overlapping of the seasons this year.

Our thanks must go to POMNA for their understanding.



PCNC Grand Final Draws - Saturday 29th May 2010

Tentative Program for Saturday's Events 

Times and order may change prior to Saturday.  We will try to keep you advised.

Near the Hoop Congratulates all the teams having made the Grand Finals.  Play hard, play fair and may the best team win

Team photo's will be done prior to each match on centre court of the court allocated.

As always we'll see you "near the hoop"

Scores for Semi Finals - 23rd May 2010

Congratulations to all teams that made it into the Quarter Finals two weeks ago and Semi Finals last Sunday.

Scores for Sunday are as follows.  Our congratulations to the winners and best wishes for the teams that just missed out.  We look forward now to the Seasons Finale on Saturday.

Scores for PCNC Semi Finals - Sunday 23rd May 2010

Draws for this Saturday will be posted separately.

Again congratulations to those teams advancing to the Grand Finals.

Pepe's Prepare for Sunday Flight

While in the midst of the PCNC Finals hype we forget that our Pepe's leave this weekend for their Pacific Netball Series campaign in the Cook Islands during the first week of June.

Knowing the taskmasters Pole Kassman and Mike Petrides are, their charges be as ready as they will ever be going into the competition next month.

As a netball fraternity we should all be sparing a moment of thought for the squad of 13 heading overseas and wishing them the best of luck over the coming weeks.  They all have the right to hold their heads up high and fly the flag with pride.

GO THE PEPE'S.

The team leaves for Brisbane for a short training stay and some game time with local Brisbane clubs before heading off to RaraTonga via Auckland a few days later.

(above) File picture of Pepe's at the last Mini Games in Raratonga

We'll be expecting to hear good news and even marvelous news if things go well, but either way, we can be assured the ladies will be giving their best for PNG and as expected, Near the Hoop will be carrying news of their efforts as they come to hand.

Faces From Around The Courts

"Near the Hoop" always has a special place for the people that make up the netball family at Bisini as well as the bigger netball fraternity across PNG that makes the sport what it is.

Sometimes it is not just the players that take centre stage in our review of the sport, it is you and your participation, contribution and enthusiasm for netball and sports for women that keeps the spirit alive.  It is images like these that tell the bigger picture for the sport and for the hope that it continues to be inclusive and expansive.

Over 1,000 women brave the glaring midday heat to play each Sunday in the PCNC competition, a competition of social netball that this year amassed over 80 teams from some 60 odd companies in the nations capital.  Next season appears set to be even bigger, a testament to the organisation and commitment of office bearers and working committee members.  The numbers can really be astounding if you take into consideration the supporters, enthusiasts, company officials, friends and family that mill through the courts over the course of the afternoon.

It is this atmosphere of kinship and good sportsmanship that makes this form of netball so enjoyable.

Supporters, fans, spectators and family make up the final link in the chain-mail that is the suit of success for this competition.  It is even bigger than the normal town competition.

The photo's you see from last week are not simply of women in small groups but of people from all walks of life at an event that lasts an entire Sunday afternoon each week and brings together an amazing array of reveler's and enthusiasts alike.

You never know, perhaps you too may be the subject of our happy snappers each week.  Enjoy yourselves and thank you to you all for helping to make netball a sporting testament for PNG.

Catch you soon somewhere "near the the hoop".  Nice sunnies Lynette.........