Having been virtually written-off by the pundits even as recently as last week, Brian Bell had nothing to loose and threw everything bar the kitchen sink into today's match and with some real luck, were at the tape at the end, taking the match from the airliners 19 - 18.
Air Niugini were unfortunately their own worst enemy today with a uncharacteristically low shooting average (21%) at the Brian Bell net while at the other end both of Brian Bell's shooters were potting from all over the "D" at an 80% accuracy rate. Brian Bell did lead at the break perhaps to the surprise of many watching the game, and to their credit, they hung on to win. On several occasions in the second half the scores did level but Air Niugini's poor conversion rate let them down badly. Air Niugini's defenders played an extraordinary game and the scores may have been a lot higher were it not for their outstanding effort as custodians.
Brian Bell played a intelligent, in your face game and were able to pile on the pressure throughout the match especially in defense, harassing Air Niugini's normally solid attacking threesome into taking risks. Perhaps it was this concerted effort in defense that put the PX shooters at odds.
As expected the mid court exchanges were fast and furious giving the crowd moments where they had to hold their breath as the ball traveled back and forth on court 2.
Brian Bell now take on BSP for the right to claim the 2009/2010 PCNC premier division premiership and you can bet there'll be some fun and games next week. Both teams have a strong supporter base and so you can expect the courts to be awash with the green and dual-colour of blue and yellow.
In other games today, Datec booked their division 1 grand final date with Veupunama after a close finish against Airlines PNG, taking the game comfortably 22 - 16 after trailing 9 - 10 at the break. A slight adjustment of the roster and more controlled effort in the second stanza brought the sky blue's home at the final hooter. They now meet Veupunama in their divisional grand final next Saturday morning.
Steamships Admin had to be the most affected of the afternoon after losing to Veupunama 2 in division 2 today, the margin 25 - 24. It was always going to be a hard game, but coming off a two point deficit against PNGFOC last week and wearing their new yellow strip there was an air of confidence about them. Veupunama on the other hand have always been a handful at every division they have competed at and the youthful exuberance was the telling factor. Someone forgot to include the word "lose" in their vocabulary.
Leading 11 - 9 at the break Veupunama were determined not to let the lead slip from their grasp and fought tooth and tong to the hooter. Steamships did manage to take the lead at moments in the second turn, but a few unfavourable calls caused an upset that will reverberate till next week.
Veupunama will have to step a gear for the grand finals when they meet PNGFOC. FOC have dropped only one match for the entire season even though they have been hard pressed at times especially by Steamships. It'll be another fast and furious one for Veupunama who enjoy it that way.
More stories to follow and for the photo fanatics, we'll be updating the galleries tomorrow.
Congratulations to all the teams that have now progressed to next weeks season finale and as always, you'll find us somewhere near the hoop.
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