Near the Hoop - Papua New Guinea Netball News

Please Click on the Link Below to take you to our New Webpage

2011-03-19T10:11:00.000+10:00

http://www.nearthehoop.com

For all your netball news from Papua New Guinea

The above link takes you to our current address

WE HAVE MOVED

2010-09-13T00:48:00.001+10:00

We have moved to

http://www.nearthehoop.com

please use the above link to take you to our new site

thank you.

Near the Hoop has its own DOMAIN

2010-08-14T08:28:00.000+10:00

Introducing Near the Hoop's new Website of the same name.

From this point on, all netball news and information, pictures and trivia will be posted to our new site. It is a work in progress but it will have a few more features that will make it easier to handle and easier to remember.

Everything on this page will remain and if you wish to visit it you always can.

Please take the time to browse through our new site.

http://www.nearthehoop.com

New Site for Near the Hoop

2010-08-03T00:01:00.001+10:00

Near the Hoop is moving to a webpage of the same name.

We hope you will all join us in the move and as the site becomes more prevalent, we hope that you can help us to develop the page into something all netballers can take ownership of.

http://nearthehoop.webs.com

Try it now and tell us what you think.

Images from last weekend have been uploaded to the new site

Images from this and the new sites will be linked for ease of navigation

We've been missing some of the action, but here's something from Tabubil

2010-07-08T23:13:00.005+10:00

Because i'm away at the moment we've been missing some of the netball action in Port Moresby, but don't fret because there is always netball news about.

Instead we've been ensconched in Tabubil, taking in the netball played there. unfortunately we can't upload images to this page, but we have images from Tabubil on our other web page.

By the way if any of you have been looking for Maxine Siwi, well I found her decked out in blue, playing netball in Tabubil for the "Jets". We can't post images to the gallery on this site at the moment but you can check out the above photo's and more on our new site.

We've also been working on our new webpage which I am sure you will enjoy better.

http://nearthehoop.webs.com

Please take a look and tell us what you think by clicking on either the address above or the link below

Near the Hoop's new web page

Hello Everybody, we are still here.

2010-07-03T16:58:00.000+10:00

Hello scapers,

Hello again and welcome back to our page - We're hidden away in Tabubil at the moment, breathing the clean air and enjoying the countryside. Tabubil does have a thriving netball scene and we'll be bringing all of that to you shortly.

We are also trialing a new website format unders the same name and so when that is up and ready, we'll let you know.

Cheers

Near the Hoop

We are the Champions - BSP are PCNC Premier Division Champions

2010-05-31T14:12:00.001+10:00

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"

2010-05-26T00:19:00.004+10:00

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

2010-05-25T22:54:00.001+10:00

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

2010-05-25T17:02:00.002+10:00

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

2010-05-25T16:37:00.000+10:00

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

2010-05-25T01:54:00.002+10:00

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

2010-05-25T01:11:00.004+10:00

"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.........

Dekenai Unhinge PWC

2010-05-24T23:23:00.002+10:00

You can hear her a mile away, barking instructions at her charges and urging them on at almost fever pitch.

That's the ever passionate Violet Solien, stalwart of division 9's Dekenai Construction team as they clawed their way into next Saturdays division 9 grand final showdown against Post Courier.

Post Courier is the benchmark for the division having returned from that netballing wilderness called the PSNA this year, after beating all and sundry that the Public Service could throw at them there. To return to the PCNC competition, the rules regulate that a team having abandoned the PCNC competition must again start from the lower divisions and make their way back up the ladder.

(above) Price Waterhouse Coopers (in blue) looked very sharp

but it was Dekenai (in black tops) that had the last hurrah.

Post Courier had been the PCNC premier division champions several years in a row when they decided in 2005 that the PSNA competition provided a more promising competition and moved across which great success we might add.

This year they start their PCNC campaign again from division 9 and will advance over the next several seasons to again compete at the senior level. This year and the next few will be rebuilding process for Lydia Veali, Barbara Simon and Mrs Komu, old hands of the former premier division champions as they teach the finer points of competitive netball to new hands at South Pacific Post family.

The highly competitive Dekenai Construction believe they have the firepower to humble the paper peddlers and were over the moon when they held off a strong finish by Price Waterhouse Coopers on Sunday for the chance to have another crack at Post Courier. PWC has been a well balanced side all season and looked set to go all the way to next Saturdays meet with Post Courier, but Dekenai were just that little bit hungrier on the day, taking the lead in the first half and never letting go of it.

The final score 17 - 15 to Dekenai with a similar margin at the break 9 - 7.

A happy Mrs Solien was quick to send out the challenge out to Post Courier, "We're coming to get you ladies, so watch out". Now that's really being competitive.

The division 9 Grand Final on Saturday is set to be a real Bobby dazzler so make sure you're there.

Brian Bell Hijack Air Niugini's Hopes as PCNC Semi Finals Produce Surprises

2010-05-24T14:22:00.006+10:00

Brian Bell surged back from the abyss to capture a nail biter of a finish today at the Rita Flynn Courts when they hijacked Air Niugini's hopes of a rematch with BSP in the premier division Grand Final next Saturday.

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.

Big Day for PCNC - Semi Finals for 2009/2010 Season

2010-05-23T12:23:00.001+10:00

A DO or DIE day for one team in each of the ten divisions today as the PCNC Competition works its way to the close of another very successful off-season tournament.

Brian Bell and Air Niugini meet to determine who will meet BSP in the Grand Final next week and similarly teams from Division 1 - 10 will be as much on tenderhooks as those in the premier division.

For each of the divisions it is the last three teams standing and today who wins between 2nd and 3rd placed teams have passage to the finale next Saturday.

It has been an interesting ride for many of the teams like Able Computing in Division 6 who from last place in round 1 and not having won a game in that round now play for the right to meet Western Powers in next weeks season closer. For teams like PNGFOC in division 2 and BSP in the Premier Divsion, they'll be watching with interest who they will meet to contest the premiership title six days from now.

PNGFOC with their new uniforms

Steamships Admin with their new uniforms

Steamships Admin with their new uniforms lost by only two nets last week and will be looking to make this weeks game count.

Who will be the last two teams standing at the end of today. You'll have to be there to know.

Games start at 12:30 so don't be late.

Fiday night out with the Pepe's

2010-05-23T00:39:00.001+10:00

Hey, we missed out on last Friday nights gig at the Crowne Plaza. If any one has some decent pics and would like to share some, please let us know on our e-mail address and we'll post them all for our netballer's to enjoy.

We hear it was a major success and a real headbanger so we'd like to see some evidence of the party animals out there.

Let us know, and quick........... before they get over their hangovers!

POMNA Main Game - A Handful

2010-05-23T00:34:00.001+10:00

If you were expecting a clash of the Titans in the POMNA premier division today, you would not have been disappointed. The main game of the afternoon turned out to be a physical encounter between a fired up Sparrows outfit taking on competition front runners, Esco Telstars.

The game itself was a display of some "ferociously" fast netball but it also saw some misdirected spite in the contest.

There was no doubting the passion from the ladies on the court and both teams put body and soul into the match. The Sparrows wearing an alternate grey strip today looked strong in the early part of the first quarter matching up to and causing some consternation for the women in red, but the resilience of the Telstars attack and the combination of experience and exuberance from Raka Nope and Lama Lua respectively in defense of the Telstars hoop set the stage for yet another resounding win for the might red army.

Passion more than temper reared its head midway during the game with a bit of agro coming through by both teams late in the third stanza and into the fourth which saw umpire Michael Petrides calling on the captains of the two teams to calm their players down.

Sparrow's Diane Kala (left) and Telstar's Mona-Lisa Leka (right)

spoken to by umpire Mike Petrides.

In the end the teams were content to leave the occurrences of the game on the court with a convincing scoreline to Telstars 56 - 28.

In other premier division games today, the Rebels accounted for Kapunarau 57 - 33 in quite a decent contest. Kapunarau seem close to getting their combinations working and will be a real stayer as the season progresses.

Rebels (blue) and Kapunarau (black and yellow)

trash it out in the first premier division game

Paramana (black and white) and Veupunama (orange and black)

today's other premier division clash.

With the Mermaids on a bye this weekend, the only other premier division game was between Monier Paramana and Veupunama. Paramana needed to assert it's authority this week to keep in touch with the surging pack and did it in style today spanking the ladies in their tiger suits 42 - 29. Veupu have a very mobile attack and midcourt but are lacking intensity at present tending to drop their guard at critical stretches, making it difficult to recoup as they tire, especially against some of the more senior teams.

All in all, an entertaining day at the Rita Flynn Courts.

Our day started at 9:00 am with the juniors which we'll present in coming editorials, so the color and images we have of the POMNA comp for this weekend will be brought to you with better timing in the next day or so.

Remember the PCNC have their semi finals tomorrow and the Grand Finals will be held next Saturday. Tomorrow is expected to be a real grinder as the last two of the final three teams in each division do battle to see who plays in next weeks GRAND FINALS...............

No doubt we'll be seeing you somewhere near the hoop.

PCNC's Elimination Quarter Finals Sets Stage

2010-05-18T15:05:00.003+10:00

If you didn't know how the PCNC competition was shaping up, then you'll either be nodding your head in anticipation or shaking it with incredulity when you survey those standing at the parapet of stardom for the country's biggest off-season netball competition.

After starting off this year with over 80 teams jockeying for a place in the limelight, only 30 teams, three from 10 divisions face off for the right to be divisional champions for this season.

The biggest surprises came in the announcement of the top four for all divisions last week but as the elimination quarter-finals now lay out what you can only describe as "battle plans" for this weekend the anticipation levels shift up a notch. The butterflies start to set in and the long hours of "how we are going to win this game" start to overtake the normally casual past times.

After a marathon playoff game on Sunday, BSP booked their berth at this years premier division grand final after beating a very fast finishing Air Niugini, 25 - 23 returning to claim their prize after missing out last year to Westpac and Air Niugini. This year makes it 3 grand final appearances in four years, quite an impressive record and equally an impressive premiership record as well.

Touted as a preview of this years Grand Final, both teams were intent on a win and BSP really had to dig deep to Air Niugini from breaching their lead. Two net in the end was the margin and both sets of ladies can be very proud of their effort. It was the third time these two teams have met this season with Air Niugini laying claim to a round 1 win and BSP holding them off in second round and for the first quarter final. If Air Niugini manage to beat Brian Bell this weekend, then it will be a a real cruncher of a rematch and will be well worth the wait.

Air Niugini for their part look like they have all the qualifications to make it two grand final appearances in a row, but that will depend on whether they can overcome a strong Brian Bell unit this Sunday. Brian Bell put in a very disciplined and solid performance ending Fairdeal Liquors late surge for finals glory last Sunday.

Will these two teams be meeting again in two weeks time

Westpac, last years premiers, left their drive for the quarterfinals too late and with the quality of players in the premier division, rankings are not assured by any means. To the contrary, you have to put in you best performance every week to earn a place at the table.

Daltron will unfortunately be relegated for season 2010/2011. By how much still has to be seen, but their disappointing outing has been particularly highlighted by forfeitures throughout round 2, bringing to question their commitment.

In contrast, BSP's strong finish this year has been punctuated with a desire to win. They have consistently maintained a high level of discipline and competitiveness and worked with the backing of the bigger corporate BSP network, ensuring the branding of PNG's number one banker is always visible at the courts.

There were anxious moments for a while

as the scores hovered very close to each other

It's not over yet though. The final game is in two weeks and this weekend Brian Bell will face Air Niugini in the semi final showdown on court 2. The winner of this game will have to beat BSP to hold aloft the 2009/2010 PCNC premiership trophy.

Three teams now stand in the gleam of sun rays, BSP, Air Niugini and Brian Bell. Who will it be.............

Good luck to all the teams this weekend.

A look at the other divisions follow shortly.

Updates this Afternoon

2010-05-18T11:22:00.002+10:00

To our avid followers.

All updates of editorials and images will be done this afternoon.

Thank you for your patience.

Image Update for Sun 02 May 2010 - PCNC

2010-05-07T03:08:00.000+10:00

We've updated the gallery for last Sunday and will work backwards. This update is about 99 images. We'll have about 130 from the week before as well as last weeks POMNA games. We'll let you know just as soon as.

Our appologies, we've been trying to market the page so that we can relieve some of our costs in maintaining the site.

We'll be back to our usual top form pretty soon.

For those there last Sunday, the game between BSP and Air Niugini was an interesting match up. No:1 and No:2 teams squaring off just before the semi's with BSP holding out in the composure stakes and mentally getting over the airliners.

A win no less, but that contest is being touted as the possible grand final lineup so the mental strength will be crucial come the playoffs. BSP were simply more composed on the. Air Niugini have become so used to winning that as soon as the pressure was put on they were not so sure how to handle it. This is an area they will have to work on over the coming weeks.

Talking about mental strength, it was simply mental toughness that brought FDL home over NSL last Sunday who can't seem to shake this flat spot they've hit. They have now slipped outside the four. Unless they win this weekend, they may find themselves out of the race this year. Perhaps they should try playing this next game in their old uniforms.

Westpac's one point loss to IPA must be a real irritation to them out of which we saw a funny collection of the Leka clan, with mun and dad with Mona-Lisa (Westpac), Julienne (IPA) and Madeleine (BSP) immediately after the Westpac /IPA game.

BSP is comfortably the minor premiers for 2010, having held off the Airliners last week, but the fight now begins and Westpac, last years other grand finalist will really be hard pressed to make the four, but then again you can never tell can you.

Brian Bell were happy enough last week, taking an empty court after Daltron again did not turn up. It seems only two or three from the Daltron turn up each week now, Cecilia Maurice and Loraine Tamarua to name two. Daltron don't pick any points at all for forfeiting games and have no chance at seeing the finals four.

In other matches last Sunday, Able Computing pulled of a good win against Pacific Foods and NSL went down to high flyer's Western Powers who may be minor premiers of the division after the demise of TCS, a matter still being appealed to the executive.

Steamships Finance were too strong against BSP, spanking then 30 - 13 in division 2 while PNGFOC holds its top spot after a very close win at the weekend against LBC.

Datec carved out a big win against CPL in dvision 1 while Kenmore didn't help their cause when they lost their game albeit with the slimmest of margins.

This weekends games are the last of round 2 and then the finals series for all 10 divisions begin. This is he homeward stretch and "Near the Hoop" will be there all the way.

Enjoy the weekends games and we'll be seeing you somewhere "near the hoop"

PNG Netball receives Support for its Technical Capacity Building Program

2010-05-07T00:52:00.001+10:00

In March 2010, the PNG Netbal Federation (PNGNF) received a timely boost for its Technical Capacity Building Program through the Democratic Governance Program – Transition Phase (AusAid) which will be implemented in the month of May in the Highlands (Goroka), Momase (Lae) and New Guinea Islands (Kavieng) regions. In receiving this support, the PNGNF expressed its appreciation to AusAid through the DGTP program for the timely support which was very much needed in netball throughout the country.

The PNGNF in its endeavor to capacitate and improve the standard of netball in the country has identified the technical areas that require enhancement and further development which includes basic umpiring, basic coaching and basic administration primarily targeting the rural and mass netballing population.

Through the DGTP support program, the Federation is able to dispatch technical experts to the three regions to implement this specialized program over a 4 day period in each region. The 3 regions have also been specifically identified given the increasing interest in netball and the huge potential that is coming out of these regions. Furthermore given that netball is dominantly played in the Southern region, the Federation has identified these 3 regions that require such technical programs to enhance and upgrade the skill levels and knowledge of netball in these regions.

(above) Mrs Julienne Maliaki

Secretary - PNG Netball Federation

The regional programs will be implemented in the Highlands region (Goroka) from 6 – 10 May, Momase region (Lae) from 20 – 24 May and the New Guinea Islands (Kavieng) from 27 – 31 May 2010. The Federation is calling on interested participants in the regions to either contact the respective host Association Presidents/Executives or the Secretary of PNGNF, Mrs Julienne Maliaki on 321 7311.

Scores and Draws for this weeks PCNC Matches - Sun 09 May 2010

2010-05-07T00:23:00.001+10:00

Here are the scores for last Sundays matches

Scores - Sunday 02 May 2010

Draws for Sunday 09 May 2010, Round 2 Game 7

These are the last games of the round. The Final Series begin hereafter...... Let the games begin

Draws for POMNA Round1 Game2

2010-05-07T00:08:00.001+10:00

Draws for this Saturday's competition matches - 8th May 2010

Its the second game of the season. Enjoy the competition.

Image Album Updates

2010-05-04T16:13:00.002+10:00

Hello all,

Apologise for recent uploading of images from the weekends games. We have been looking for a bit of support by potential sponsors advertisers to keep the site going.

Bear with us, we will return to the previous format and update all the gallery albums soon as we can.

Stage Set for Pacific Netball Series in June

2010-05-04T15:23:00.001+10:00

With all four countries contesting the Pacific Netball Series having selected their respective national teams, the stage is now set for the games to begin over the first week of June.

There is a lot more than pride riding on these games as they will form the basis on which invitations will be offered for the World Netball Championships in Singapore next year. They will also be a barometer for how the teams with stack up when they meet each other again at the Commonwealth Games in October and of course the points each earn at these games will have a bearing on their international IFNA rankings.

The Pepe's have their work cut out for them but they are tenacious and hungrier, now more than ever and will certainly put in a good showing.

GO the PEPE's

Cook Islands Name Squad for Pacific Netball Series

2010-05-04T15:01:00.002+10:00

The Cook Islands Netball Association Website mentions the CINA as having selected their training squad for the Pacifc Islands Netball Series on 20th April with a final team to be selected in May prior to the series start in the first week of June this year.

This means all four countries contesting the series are now in their final preparations for the series.

The IFNA sanctioned series also be the barometer from which invitations to next years World Championships will be awarded so there is a lot riding on the series in the Cook Islands. The series will not be treated lightly by any of the four countries. The selection process for teams from the four counties has been a serious one with the best possible squads being named for the meet.

Competition starts 2nd June 2010.

To read more on the Cook Islands team follow the link below to the CINA official website

CINA Report 3 Locals Named for First Selection National Netball Squad

Samoa Name National Squad for Pacific Netball Series.

2010-05-03T12:36:00.001+10:00

Samoa named their national side late April 2010 according to the Samoa Observer and have been in training for some time. As part of their preparation they have even enlisted the help of Manu Samoa (Rugby Union) trainer, David Edgar to build up stamina and core fitness for the team.

The Samoans have a very busy year, with a tour by South Africa in June, a game against the Silver Ferns in August, two tests against Jamaica and three against Australia, all before the Commonwealth Games.

Follow the link to the observers webpage to see more.

Samoan Observer reports - Netball Samoa name side for 2010

Fiji names side for Pacific Netball Series

2010-05-03T11:10:00.001+10:00

The Fiji Times reported last night that Fiji Netball has named its side to compete at the Pacific Netball Series in Raratonga next month.

No real surprises except the return of veteran mid court player Ramafono Daurewa who hasn't represented Fiji since 2006.

The side includes Australian based Mere Rabuka, Simone Nalatu but the notable absence of Matelita Shaw has paved the way for Fijian U21, Ana Rusivakula to make the national side.

The Fijians have been a significant yardstick for the Pacific in netball and we can expect no different this year.

Follow the link below to the article posted last night in Fiji.

Fiji Times report - "Roukora names squad"

Lae Looks to Get Its House in Order

2010-05-03T00:46:00.000+10:00

News reaching us today suggest that the Lae Netball Association is looking is trying to piece together their association after an ultimatum was issued by the Netball Federation to show cause.

Though still not verified, the reports suggest that an AGM of sorts was held on Saturday 1st May 2010. Elections were not held at the meeting but another meeting will be held next Saturday apparently to sort the issue of a working executive/fresh elections.

Other issues including how to facilitate a proper competition are among a number of matters arising which we will keep you informed on as they come to light. There is confusion as to how to deal with an overlapping off-season (private companies) competition which will take some persuasion to dismantle, however, the fact that the association is taking this step is a positive one and encouragement should be given to members of the LNA to ensure they have a place at the Federation table.

Good luck Lae netballers

POMNA Kick Off 2010 Season

2010-05-02T23:56:00.004+10:00

The Port Moresby Netball Association successfully kicked off its 2010 season proper on Saturday 1st May 2010 with most teams geared up rearing to go. Those involved in the off season PSNA and PCNC competitions have a head start, having had as least some netball before the season proper but getting back into the rhythm in a club environment does take some getting used to again.

The pace seems to have intensified considerably since the start of the trials with deadlines for registration of clubs and players set for 1st of May for all clubs and Madam President, Pole Kassman could be heard baying reminders over the PA system for clubs to conform under standing rules of the competition. Deadlines were agreed to at the Associations AGM this year.

Uniforms are a little vague at the moment but the enthusiasm is there and as the season progresses the uniforms will emerge. Amazon tell us their set is on the way, thanks to the generosity of local member and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Sir Dr Puka Temu. We understand that will be a date to celebrate for the club.

The sparrows who had a strong game in the premiers division are wearing stand in colours which confuse them with the scarlet of Esco Telstars. We understand the Sparrows have a new set arriving shortly. Both the Sparrows and Telstars had a great day at the office on Saturday with Esco Telstars smacking Paramana by 10 nets. Paramana were their own worst enemy, losing cohesion among key positions allowing Telstars to capitalise on critical turnovers.

(above) Sparrows in the red tunics had it all their way on Saturday.

(above) Rebels (blue and white) v Mermaids (yellow and grey tops)

(above) Treasury (black and white) v Sparrows in division 1

The Sparrows on the other hand had a field day carving up an understrength Veupunama side 50-22. Sparrows were simply too strong in all departments. New Pepe appointments for Alu Opina and Rhoda Kerea was motivation enough for the youngsters to hit the turbo switch and dazzle with their athelticism. Diane Kala and Carolyn Genaia too weren't going to be upstaged and were just as inpirational in their emphatic win. Veupu will need to muscle up in the senior division if they want to keep up with the pace.
In the second premier division game of the day, the Rebels held off a surging Snax Mermaids side 51 - 41 and the going was tough for both sides who were physically and personnel wise, very similar. Lua Rikis, playing her familiar position as shooter had a comfortable game and seemed to enjoy the matchup with new Pepe, Rayleene Andrews in the pocket.

Another new Pepe, MaryPaul Buehler, seems to have found a home at the Mermaids and was at home at this level of competition.

In other divisions, Poinimo took care of Esco Telstars 35 - 27 in division 1 and Treasury were able to shoot down the division 1 sparrows in their first outing 35 - 25. There were issues with this game more administrative than anything else, keeping the bench awake for a short while.

(Top two images) Division 1's Poinimo with grey skirts
and Division 3's Poinimo (above two images) in floral blue skirts

take on Telstars and Oro Birdwing respectively.

Birdwing were able to smile at the end of their division 2 match taking out Poinimo 36 - 19 and Aroma Coast were able to account for a hard hitting Rebels side 27 - 17 on court 1.

(above) Mona in maroon and Amazon in red tops

Amazon and Mona in division 4 were highly animated in a seasawing battle with Amazon in their distinctive red, black and gold colours finally enjoying the points with a 25-17 win.

In the earlier game on court 4, PNG Timbers managed to edge out a strong Drifters side 28 - 22.

(above) PNG Timbers in bright yellow and the Drifters

fight it out in division 4

Images from Saturday will be posted to its album during the week.

Our appologies to those visiting the site. We have been doing the rounds over the last two weeks asking for support so we can keep the site going. Hopefully that will end this week and we can return to updating the albums for you ladies to look at.

(above) Rebels and PNG Netball Federation President, Emily Taule
leads by example keeeping fit playing for the Rebels
3rd division team on court 1

PNGNF confirm PNG to Host Next Pacific Netball Series

2010-05-02T01:07:00.000+10:00

Julienne Maliaki, Secretary of the PNG Netball Federation confirmed on Friday at the press conference held to announce the PNG Pepe's for 2010, that PNG will, as part of the round robin format of hosting the event, host the 2011 Pacific Netball Series in Port Moresby.

(seated left to right) Pole Kassman - Head Coach Pepe's,

Laurens Van Der Gaag -GM Pacific MMI and Julienne Maliaki -Secretary PNGNF

during the press conference on Friday.

The Pacific Netball Series is an annual bench marking contest sanctioned by IFNA to guage the position of the Oceania regions netball playing countries. Currently their are four countries participating, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands and PNG.

Each country takes turns to host the Series and next year will be PNG's turn to be host.

It will be an excellent opportunity for our netballers to see the Pacific's best contesting in our own back yard.

Details will be provided as the date draws nearer.

Radio Australia report Fiji will put best team on the Court

2010-05-02T00:54:00.000+10:00

Fiji's netball coach was quoted last night on Radio Australia's Pacific News as saying Fiji was not going to be sending a development squad to next months Pacific Netball Series in the Cook Islands.

We can expect Fiji to field its best possible team in June as the outcomes will determine who will attend the World Championships in Singapore.

Not being able to attend the Commonwealth Games must be motivation for the Fijians to do well so we can expect there to be some real dust ups this year.

PNG Pepe's 2010

2010-05-02T00:38:00.001+10:00

A schedule of who's who in the Pepe's squad has been prepared for your information.

For a more detailed profile of each individual Pepe, a link at the bottom of this article will take you to the PNG Netball Federation webpage which details the statistcs of each Pepe, both current and former.

Should you require further information, please don't hesitate to e-mail us at the address set out in the sideboard.

The management team remains

Pole Kassman - Head Coach
Mike Petrides - Assistant Coach and
Salote Doko - Team Manager

Click on the images to see a brief run down of who has made the team and click on the link below to take you to the PNGNF bio on each individual.

PNGNF sporting pulse, player profile page

The important thing now is that we support the team and the management to ensure the team travels with a positive attitude and the backing of the entire PNG netball fraternity.

GO THE PEPE'S.

PNG Netball federation Name Pepe's

2010-05-02T00:20:00.002+10:00

At a formal press conference held at the Pacific MMI boardroom in downtown Port Moresby on Friday 30th May 2010, the PNG Netball Federation finally released the names of the PNG national netball team - ThePepe's.

As a matter of courtesy to Pacific MMI as the major sponsor of the team, Secretary of the PNG Netball Federation and a member of the panel of selectors, Jullienne Maliaki presented the 15 names to the press.

Three will be non traveling reserves while a squad of twelve will be tasked to represent PNG at the coming Pacific Natball Series. This year the IFNA sanctioned event will be hosted by the Cook Islands and will be held in the first week of June.

"The team is a blend of the old and the new and will blood those coming into the squad at a very high level of competition" Mrs Maliki told the assembled reporters and it will give selectors the opportunity to assess performances that will afford selectors to tweek the squad prior to the Commonwealth Games which is the biggest commitment or undertaking for the PNG Netball for a long time.

"There will be another selection process when the Pepe's return from the Pacific Netball Series at which time a final Pepe's squad will be named for the Commonwealth Games.

(above - seated from left to right) Mrs Pole Kassman - Head Coach Pepes,

Mr Laurens Van Der Gaag - GM Pacfic MMI,

Mrs Julienne Maliaki - Secretary PNG netball Federation

and Mr Mike Petrides, Assistant Coach Pepe's at the Press Conference on Friday.

Pacific MMI General Manager, Laurens Van Der Gaag, in congratulating the team reiterated the PMMI's commitment to netball and looked forward to hearing of the teams successes.

The team as announced is;

Shooters

Maleta Roberts (Aust)

Tiata Baldwin (Aust)

Marie Ottio (POM)

Rhodah Kerea (POM)

MaryPaul Buehler (reserve) (POM)

Mid Court

Mona -Lisa Leka (c) (POM)

Yvonne Magutau (Aust)

Richanda Kassman (Aust)

Alu Opina (POM)

Cheryl Renagi (reserve) (Aust)

Defenders

Raka Nope (POM)

Winnie Mavara (POM)

Lua Rikis (POM)

Rayleene Andrews (POM)

Jessie Logo (reserve)(POM)

Notable omissions to the squad were Nisha Omi in defence and the Raula sisters, Gewa and Ravu.

The squad is expected to immediately go into training in preparation for the June competition. The team will leave for Brisbane at the end of May to meet up with the Australian based players and some led up games while there.

When asked who will be their biggest hurdle, Pole Kassman, Head Coach of the Pepe's commented that "They will all be hard games" as this will be the yard stick as to where the four countries are placed in Oceania netball. "The Pacific Island girls are bigger in stature and compete in New Zealand and Australia's elite level competitions" "But we'll give them a run for their money"

A schedule of the team with images of the individual players will be posted shortly.

Congratulations to the ladies who made the team.

Though our commiserations go to those that didn't make the squad, we know that it isn't the end of the road for the Pepe hopefuls as they will still be traveling as a development squad to compete in the NSW State Championships in Sydney in July this year.

Pepe's to be named tomorrow - Friday 30th April 2010

2010-04-30T00:30:00.000+10:00

Near the Hoop has been reliably told that an announcement of the Pepe's squad to the Pacific Netball Series will be made tomorrow. Mojor Sponsor, Pacific MMI is understood to be providing the venue for the announcement.

The current training squad is understood to have been advised either yesterday or today ahead of the announcment.

As discussed previously, the balance of the train on squad will remain in training for the New South Wales State Championships to which PNG has been invited.

Good luck to all the young ladies.

Rexona Keep their Commitment.

2010-04-30T00:00:00.001+10:00

Rexona joined the growing family of corporate PNG investing in the future of netball with a sponsorship package worth K10,000 to the technical officials tending to the POMNA competition.

The package which includes uniforms and equipment was agreed between the President of POMNA, Pole Kassman and the BNG Tradings Senior Marketing Representative, Andrew Runawery over the last few weeks and crystalised in today's presentation.

Presented at the Rita Flynn Courts at Bisini this afternoon, Mr Runawery expressed pleasure at the compatibile association between product and demographics for Rexona stating this was the tip of the iceberg in terms of BNG Tradings involvement with netball. As the Unilever brands product specialists in PNG, BNG Trading has a long association with a variety of sporting codes and was happy now to also include netball as a potential host for other products and services.

Mrs Pole Kassman as president of POMNA thanked BNG Trading with the wonderful gesture saying it was an aspect that her association had been looking to address for a long time. The technical personnel will now have a distinctive uniform to wear when performing their roles as match officials. It was timely also as the season proper for 2010 commences this weekend.

The product brand, Rexona and BNG Trading will be clearly emblazoned on all the uniforms provided to the Association. Uniforms will be provided to all qualified technical officials and will be required to be worn at all matches sanctioned by the Association.

The uniforms are produced in PNG and will include a navy blue and white polo shirt, skirts for those inclined to wear a skirt and shorts for those who prefer to wear shorts.

(above and below) presentation of the cheque to POMNA

Technical Officials Association by BNG Trading Marketing Rep

Andrew Runawery (at left of cheque)

(above) umpires from POMNA try out the new uniforms

Draws for POMNA season opener - Saturday 1st May 2010

2010-04-29T23:30:00.000+10:00

Draws for this weekends POMNA games

This will be game 1 of season 2010. Good luck to all teams.

Draws for PCNC Round 2 Game 6

2010-04-29T23:25:00.000+10:00

Draws for this weekends PCNC games

There are some real interesting match ups this weekend. Good luck all.

Scores for R2G5 - Sunday, 25 April 2010 - PCNC

2010-04-26T16:08:00.000+10:00

Scores as provided by PCNC Match Committee/Executive for Sundays games - 25 April 2010. It's come a bit early but hey that's why they're so efficient at the PCNC.

Scores - Sunday 25th April 2010

See you all some place near the hoop .........

BSP Keeps Ahead of the Pack

2010-04-26T14:30:00.003+10:00

With the competition heading into the finals straight, the leader board for each of the divisions are now showing clearly who is likely to be in the final four come elimination time.

Premier division is still clustered after Sunday with BSP consistent enough to keep its claim on the prize healthy with a powerful display against FDL 23 - 8 and Air Niugini needing to really dig deep to hold off a much more composed NSL attack. Though winning 25 - 19 the airliners were not convincing and will have to pick the pace up again to keep their chances certain. NSL on the other hand looked to have resolved their earlier doldrums and were a much stronger side on Sunday, hustling well and forcing Air Niugini to work for their nets. NSL were leading at the break so Air Niugini certainly up'd the anti in the second stanza to win but still something seemed to be missing from the PX attack.

The next few games will tell.

BSP and Air Niugini are now ranked 1 and 2 respectively and are clear of the pack on 31 and 30 points respectively but after them there are four teams on 24 points followed by Westpac on 23 points. Daltron continues to show its disinterest having forfeited its last four game and are looking at relegation at season close.

Fairdeal Liquors for all the effort they gave in round 1 appear a spent force and do not look to be to much of a threat from here on but the contest between Brian Bell, IPA, Westpac and NSL are going tobe excellent encounters over the next few weeks. FDL are still among the above group also with 24 points so they still can't be discounted, however their form of late does leave you wondering.

The Unofficial Ladder looks something like this

BSP 31

Air Niugini 30

FDL 24

Brian Bell 24

NSL 24

IPA 24

WPac 23

Daltron 9

Looks like it's going to be an awesome several weeks

In other stories to come we look at other divisions including the Aussie High Commission's new uniforms and perhaps a record score racked up in division 6.........

Third and Final Trial Games for POMNA This Weekend

2010-04-23T20:50:00.000+10:00

This weekend will see the final of three trial games for the Port Moresby Netball Association (POMNA). Paramana, runners up in 2009 premier division enjoy a bye this weekend but no doubt the entire team will turn out to watch how the others fare tomorrow.

In other premier division games, Veupu take on the Rebels, Kapunarau go head to head with Snax Mermaids and the Sparrows joust with Esco Telstars.

Division 1 games will be just as tough this weekend with newcomer to the division, Treasury, taking on Kawaimini and Poinimo, also springing up a division, taking on Aroma Coast. The games expected to raise the bar will be the game between Paramana 2 and Veupunama 2 and that between Esco Telstars and Snax Mermaids.

The U10's start early tomorrow, in fact as early as 8:30 tomorrow morning so the courts will show life fairly early in the peace. Last weekend, the Pepe's selection trials caused huge disruptions to the games as everybody wanted to watch PNG's best players vying for a position on the national team.

This week should return to normal.

The season proper starts next week.

Keep it all together people and we'll be sure to see you somewhere near the hoop.

Three Pepe's Participate in Queens Baton Relay

2010-04-23T14:36:00.000+10:00

It was supposed ot be four, but with the withdrawl of PNGNF President Emily Taule, only three netballers took part in today's Queens Baton Relay.

Beginning at Independence Hill, the Governor General, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Paulius Matane, started the ball rolling with a photo session on the hill and then starting the first leg ot the relay.

It was beautiful morning today, a slight drizzle to keep the officials wondering but a cool musty one. Excellent conditions for a leisurely run.

Mona-Lisa Leka took station 13 at the Stop and Shop tunnel taking here leg to the Department of Works headquarters and Raka Nope received the baton at Badili, a slight change to the already changed positions. Lua Rikis the final netballer, managed her leg along the Koki Point section of Healley Parade.

Here are some of the images.

Last minute postional changes meant images could not be taken of Raka.

The baton is actually a facinating work of art with apparently soil from all parts of India incorporated into the body of the baton. There are also led light panels cleverly seamed into the face of the batton which are very noticeable in the dark. The image of Mona-Lisa entering the tunnel in Waigani shows this clearly.

The only sad thing was the turnout to wish our athletes well.

Queen's Baton Relay Route - Friday, 23 April 2010

2010-04-22T16:39:00.003+10:00

For those wanting to know the route the Queen's Baton Relay will take a layout of the route was published in the local newspapers today. In the Post Courier it is a full page layout on page 17 and tomorrow the layout will be on page 22.

The route will be a huge circle from Independence Hill at about 9:00 am, into town via 2-mile hill then through Hohola via the freeway to finally complete its PNG journey at the Sir John Guise Stadium. The whole event is expected to take approximately three hours.

According to organisers they are expecting approximately 70 - 76 runners from the various sports and political hierarchies to participate so it should be an interesting turn out tomorrow. If you can't take the morning off, at least open the office window and show your support.

For Netball, Mona-Lisa Leka will start her leg outside the B-Mobile entrance and run toward 4-mile. Raka Nope will start her leg at the Badili Interoil service station and Lua Rikis will receive the baton at Koki Point along Healley Parade. Emily Taule, President of the PNGNF will run her leg at the Ela Beach where the SDA Church and will run with Graham Osborn for thier section toward town.

From there the baton is relayed through the main CBD along the Poreporena Freeway into Hohola and onto the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Be sure to get a copy of the Post Courier but if your not able to a copy of the route is provided for your reference.

Click on the map to enlarge and you'll find where our netballers will be required to run their relay leg. Each is marked with a blue circle bordered with white and a blue arrow pointing to the spots.

The map is a scan excerpt of page 17 of today's post courier.

Draws for this weekends trials - POMNA

2010-04-22T00:15:00.000+10:00

Draws for this Saturdays trials

Remember this is the final trial game for season 2010. The competition proper starts next weekend 01 May 2010.

Welcome to season 2010............

Scores for 18th April and Draws for 25th April - PCNC

2010-04-22T00:11:00.000+10:00

Scores for last Sunday, Draws for next Sunday and the revised competition ladders after game 4 of round 2.
Click on an image to enlarge and simply print for your requirements.

Scores for Sunday 18 April 2010

Draws for Sunday 25th April 2010

Revised Points Ladder per Division as at Game 4 round 2

As mentioned earlier, simply enlarge the images and print or save onto your system and then distribute as you erquire.

It's heading quickly toward the business end of the competition and it's getting more and more interesting.

See you all somewhere "near the hoop"

National Team Squad by Next Week

2010-04-21T19:55:00.001+10:00

Chairman of Selectors Annie Iamo confirmed with us on Tuesday, 20 April 2010, that selectors were still deliberating over outstanding medical reports before making a final decision. She said it was most likely that an announcement would not be made until early next week and that the selectors as a group were insisting on making sure things were done properly.

"All the physical things have been done but we have to ensure our team is healthy, fit and mentally strong".

The suspense is killing you we know, but unfortunately we'll all have to hang in there for a few more days.

Commonwealth Games Baton Relay Expected this Friday

2010-04-21T12:02:00.001+10:00

It has to be one of the worst publicised events but it we've been reliably informed that there will be a baton relay of former and current Commonwealth Games athletes carrying the official games baton through the streets of Port Moresby.

Still no official notice in the press but the baton will arrive tomorrow evening and spend only one day (Friday) in PNG before it moves on to other Pacific Islands nations of the Commonwealth and then on to Asia. We understand the baton is currently in Australia and we mark the head of the baton's Pacific Islands tour before it ends up in Delhi, India.

Four of our netballers will form part of the relay which we understand will start at Independence Hill.

If your not doing much on Friday and you'd like to watch the relay of some of PNG's elite athletes, then come out on Friday to show your support.

Correction on one of our editorials - SP and Hastings

2010-04-21T11:27:00.002+10:00

It;s been brought to our attention that one of the scores we reported on 28th March 2010 was in fact incorrect.

Madeline Imani from Hastings pointed us in the right direction earlier in the month but without access to the net we weren't able to correct the story then.

So we stand corrected and the scores for their game with SP should have read Hating's 18 beating SP Brewery 14 and not the other way around

Thanks Madeline, our apologies and we hope this sets the record straight for you and Hastings Deering.

Where we can correct the content of our editorials we will, so feel free to send us mail if we have erred and we are only to happy to correct our mistakes.

Still No Annnouncement on National Team.

2010-04-19T20:34:00.000+10:00

It is understood an announcement of the Pepe's side will not be expected till late this week. There are a number of reports still to be processed including those from Australia.

Once a media statement has been released we will publish the names on this site so keep watching this page.

We offer a hearty congratulation to all that trialed over the weekend and ask everyone to respect the final selection and support their many campaigns this year.

Australia Signs Multimillion Dollar Development Funding Agreement for Pacific Netball.

2010-04-19T19:53:00.004+10:00

The following except is from the IFNA website confirming the AUD$2.95 million development agreement between the Australian Government and Oceania Netball. The agreement was signed by Oceania Netball President Tina Brown and Australia's Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis.

Brown is based at the Oceania headquarters in the Cook Islands.

The funding agreement was signed in Adelaide at the ANZ Championship trans Tasman match between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and New Zealand team Southern Steel in Adelaide, South Australia..

“Sport has the power to bring people together and deliver great health and social development dividends to communities across the world,” Ms Ellis said. The initial four year partnership will focus on the Oceania Netball Federation’s member federations of Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

It's welcome news and we'll be watching with interests what initiatives are provided to PNG from this resource.

Click on a link to read more.

IFNA link - Netball Secures Million Dollar Partnership to Strenghten the Sport in the Oceania Region
Release from Minister Ellis's Office

Commonwealth Games Draw Posted

2010-04-19T19:21:00.001+10:00

A draw for the Commonwealth Games has been posted ahead of the October games in Delhi. There will be 12 teams contesting medals from two pools.

Pool A has Australia and Jamaica in it and Pool B which we are in has New Zealand and England. Our first match of the tournament will be against New Zealand which should be a wake up call for the Pepe's but there after we have to play South Africa, Barbados, Cook Islands and England.

In Pool A you have Australia, Jamaica, Malawi, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago and India.

The top 2 teams from both Pools advance to the finals and medal playoff.

The Pepe's make history in October when they walk out onto the court in Delhi. It will be first time any Papua New Guinean Netball Team has been invited to the Commonwealth Games and one of only a handful of team events. It will be a momentous occasion for PNG Netball and we should all be getting behind our Pepe's to encourage them in their Games campaign.

(above) Candidates for selection 18th April 2010

To put things into perspective we know that each of the top ten teams of the world receive substantial government funding assistance to maintain their ranking, even Samoa and the Cook Islands receive funding we as a country only dream about. Resources such as the Australian National Sports Institute provides incredible inovative clinical and sports medicne support to ensure they get maximum utility out of their players and then there's the professional and corporate backing that makes the sport so competitive in countries like Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Jamaica and so on.

Fiji,. the Cook Islands and Samoa benefit from inter country exchange programs where the elite of our neighbouring Pacific Island countries play in professional or semi professional competitions across the Tasman.

Jamaica and other Caribbean countries also enjoy similar programs with England and the African states. More recently Singapore is reported to have signed an agreement with Netball Australia to assist in the development of their players and resources and last week, the Australian Government extended assistance of AUD$2.95 million for the development of netball in the Pacific. That agreement was signed by Oceania Netball president who is based in the Cook Islands.

We have none of these development resources. No bilateral arrangements, no fancy support industry and a pittance when in comes to government assistance. Yet by sheer will power and self belief we are ranked in the worlds top 12 and with this opportunity comes a footstool to possible greatness.

(above) PNG v Scotland

WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD OF PNG AND SUPPORT THE PEPE'S IN THEIR MARCH TO RECOGNITION AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES.

THE FIRST STEP IS THE PACIFIC NETBALL SERIES IN JUNE IN THE COOK ISLANDS AND THEN WE PREPARE FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY ADDING A COMMENT AND LETS LET THE PEPE'S KNOW WE WILL BE THERE FOR THEM, NO MATTER WHAT.

Attached are links to details of the Commonwealth Games which the PNG Netball Federation has extracted for your use and links to the IFNA website. Times, venues and the reciprocal details in PNG time have been also included.

PNG Netball Federation link to the Delhi Games Netball Draws
IFNA Confirms Commonwelath Games Netball Draw

BSP and Air Niugini Become Front Runners - PCNC

2010-04-19T16:37:00.000+10:00

Sunday's results once again show how unpredictable the competition is right now especially in the senior three divisions. The cluster at the top of the premier division table only seems to change form with teams inconsistent over the last four games.

Brian Bell crashed heavily again this week to BSP, 23 - 16, after winning a strongly contested match last week against IPA and halting a three game loosing streak, but having lost lost four out of five since the last game of round 1 has not helped their cause. BSP on the other hand have developed a strong working partnership amongst their senior players and now have a lethal attacking unit. Communication is their strongest asset and the homeward stretch to the finals is allowing them to blossom as a team.

Brian Bell were a little overwhelmed at the end but are a good side and can bring on the big plays. They lack a communication and have become a little predictable. A variation to their attack may help their cause however they come up against a determined Westpac this weekend who will prove difficult to beat.

Westpac dispatched Fairdeal Liquors 21 - 18 on Sunday, who's wheels seem to have fallen off the cart. As round 1 front runners both this and last year, Fairdeal have a had a problem finishing strongly and their play lacks both the enthusiasm and energy they had in round 1. To their credit FDL did play with only 6 players for the entire match, but the lack of drive seems to be reminiscent of last year. Westpac were happy to drive the point home as in all cases the points average is the all important number.

The surprise package for premier division has to be Nambawan Super Limited who have just gone flat over the last two weeks. Even new uniforms have not been able to inspire the Superfund ladies to any real heights and this time to the advantage of IPA who would be happy to improve their points advantage . Two losses in a row spells bad news for them and no doubting captain/coach Loka Kula will be looking carefully at the combinations NSL field every week from here on in.

One thing clear yesterday is NSL's lack of chatter on the court, they just did not communicate well at all and will need to improve this aspect of the game. Without communication, NSL's defense and mid court were just not able to anticipate the IPA attack leaving their resurgence very late in the game.

IPA on the other hand relished the win and their attacking four have again hit their straps into a lethal passing combination near the hoop.

What can we say about Daltron other than their prospects in the premier division become slimmer each week. They forfeited their second match of this round to Air Niugini.

The other front runner - Air Niugini is now looking all the part and though their forfeit win against Daltron doesn't give them a run, they seen to be moving well, almost a cruising altitude now and will be one of two teams to watch over the coming weeks.

In other divisions the call has become a little more clearer with a front runner breaking away from the pack in most. In division 1 Datec surprisingly succumbed to a much more resilient Kenmore team by 18 nets to 20 while in Division 2 PNGFOC continues to dominate the limelight but this time only managing to keep Steamships Admin out by one net.24 - 23.

Division 9's Price Waterhouse Coopers showed off their new colours on Sunday and it seems to work wonders because they were able to put paid to MRDC on court 3 and producing a fine game in the process. Even without their star shooter, Pole Kassman, they managed to rack up a comfortable win.

Divison 8's front runner Security Plus also made good their claim on the 2010 prize when they beat off a highly motivated Proclean side 18 - 11.

The game of the day for our money has to be that between SMEC and Lamana Hotel in division 7. With a scoreline of 21 -15, Smec were able to counter some very polished play by Lamana which boast some fairly senior netball names. Their belief in themselves showed in their play and a hearty congratulations should go out to them.

The other game of note on Sunday has to be the division 9's clash between 1st and 2nd placed teams. Post Courier managing to hold out a determined Dekenai Constructions 27 to 23. It was a lapse in concentration by the construction contractors that allowed Post Courier to capitalise on and hold the lead. Post Courier are working their way back up the competition after leaving some years ago to contest the PSNA competition. They have been premier division champions of the PCNC before and are hungry to get back to that level.

There are those teams that are drawn to the PCNC by the competition and allowance for them is always made, but spare a thought for the sides that come for the social values, for mate ship and friendships and simply for wanting a healthier lifestyle. Take you hats off for Exxon Mobil in Division 10 and High Arctic Energy who attend week in week out and compete the best they can. On Sunday Exxon only had five players but true to form they donned their bibs, went out there and gave it there best. A hot day to boot they put up a great fight against Nasfund 2 and surprised themselves with the final score of 10 - 17. Well done ladies. Similarly Higher Arctic Energy took the court against Ernst & Young and put up quite a show. Not bad HAE.

Also in division 10, B-Mobile struggled with Coffey International but put up a great show nonetheless, going down 25 - 17, on court 9. Some real inspirational moments in that game and no doubting they will improve as the weeks progress. On court 8 MRL and Renos were going toe to toe in a real close and topsy turvey game.

Images from other games include Data Nets who rallied without play maker Lua Rikits, Crowne Plaza who gave Second Time Around a run for their money and Able Computing who managed a healthy win, the second for the competition against Esco 2.

We'll be looking to get our gallery from Sunday uploaded by Wednesday.

See you all near the hoop

Pepe Hopefuls Endure Grueling Selection Process

2010-04-19T11:56:00.004+10:00

Selections for the national team were conducted over the weekend in Port Moresby with 27 turning out for the trials including three Australian based players. Brisbane's Maleta Roberts and Tiata Baldwin had requested exemptions due to their Australian Tier 1 playing committments this weekend. They will still be required to have passed a similar fitness test for their respective clubs and submit relevant medical reports for scrutiny by the selectors if they are to be considered.

It was extremely hot over the last two days but the trialists still went through a required fitness and orientation test at about 7:30 on Saturday morning and then an energy sapping two hours of court time to allow selectors to guage their court skills.

A similar morning awaited the candidates the next day, finishing up around 11:00 am on Sunday.

(above) Fitness Tests - Saturday Morning

(above) The Candidates

The squad was not been named over the weekend pending receipt of several outstanding reports. An announcement is likely to occur over the next few days.

In February this year, 43 were named as candidates for selection. Trialing over 30 over the weekend was a decent showing given the difficulties for travel from other provinces. Port Moresby based nominees have had the advantage of training since late February under the watchful gaze of Pole Kassman and Mike Petrides, but each regional candidate was given a training regime in February that would keep them in trim shape until last weekends selection trials.

There is a silver lining to this year's selection process as those that do not make the final Pepe's squad will be elegible to be part of a development squad which will contest the NSW State Championships this year and basically be Pepe's in waiting. The Development Squad concept is designed to retain the interest of players and providing depth to the talent pool of senior level netballers in the country.

The NSW State Championships are expected to occur mid year.

(above series) court time for the candidates

The tests were conducted under the specifications set out by the PNG Sports Federation. Ani Iamo as chairman of selectors saw to it that each test was conducted correctly and within the internationally accepted standards.

(above) The Selectors

There are five on the panel of selectors;

Ani Iamo - Chairman of Selectors,
Iamo Launa - Selector,
Pole Kassman - Head Coach PNG
Julienne Maliaki - Selector
Emily Taule - Alternate for Samoa Waea (Lae)

The following are some of the happy moments from the trials.

(above) some of the faces at the trials including one

of a hungry coach.

Good luck to all the girls.

The above images and a few more will be placed in a gallery album of their own for those that want to browse through them.

Esco Come Good Again for Telstars

2010-04-19T09:26:00.001+10:00

Telstars sponsorship from Esco has been extended for yet another year as the electrical retailer/wholesaler tipped its hat in for the POMNA powerhouse club last week. The announcement was made at the Esco main Port Moresby showroom by Esco's General Manager - Noel O'Brien on Thursday 15 April 2010. Both he and Marketing Manager, Bob King were on hand to make the presentation on behalf of Esco.

To receive the package were Telstars premier division captain Mona-Lisa Leka, defender Raka Nope and club president, Lydia Veali.

The sponsorship valued at approximately K10,000 each year includes training equipment, uniforms, balls and other peripheral needs of the club.

(above and below) The presentation of the 2010 sponsorship cheque to Telstars.

From left to right, Raka Nope, Brian King - Marketing Manager, Esco,

Lydia Veali - President Telstars, Noel O'brien - General Manager, Esco,

Mona-Lisa Leka - Captain Telstars and Olive James.

This will be the sixth year that Esco will have sponsored Telstars making it one of the longest running relationships for both club and sponsor.

The successes the mighty scarlet team has enjoyed has been mutually enjoyed, something Esco have been happy to be associated with. Telstars have appeared in grandfinals for all six years and premiers for five, a record not lost on Mr O'brien and Mr King.

Club president, Lydia Veali extended the club's gratitude to Esco adding that much of their success is owed to being able to kit out the host of divisional teams the club has and in the POMNA competition and this years sponsorship allows them to gear up for another tough campaign.

Draws and Scores - PCNC

2010-04-15T12:58:00.000+10:00

Here are the scores from last Sunday's Games;

Scores - Sunday - 11 April 2010

Draws - Sunday 18 April 2010

Be sure to know which court your playing on and be there early. It never helps to rush to get on the courts.

See you near the hoop.......

The Wonders of Technology

2010-04-15T11:09:00.001+10:00

How amazing it is that we can't do without electricity. We need it to light our homes and offices, for communications and industry. We need it ot keep the fridge running or even make a cuppa, hell we even need it to start the car to get around but just one burst from nature in the form of lightning and all other electricity goes off.

Tuesday nights rain caused havoc for communications all over Port Moresby and for Near the Hoop it has meant we couldn't upload to the web until today.

Our equipments OK, its just the links to the web.

We're back on so you can see your photo's from last Sunday and get your draws today. Fret not we will catch up and there is a lot to tell.

LAE has joined the band wagon and were looking to have the mob in Alotau, Goroka, Madang, Kimbe and Manus to join the internet fold soon.

Successful Trials for POMNA

2010-04-11T00:17:00.002+10:00

The Port Moresby Netball Association (POMNA) kicked off three weeks of trials today, welcoming in the 2010 season.

Last year's premier division champions, Esco Telstars enjoyed a bye while new team Kapunarau showed their flare when they took on the Sparrows. There was a bit of confusion as the Sparrows wore a scarlet red tunic for the game, a colour normally reserved for Telstars.

The Sparrows are still finalising a sponsorship deal fro the club. An announcement we hear will be made soon.

As trials, the next three weeks will tune and tone players probably only just emerging from hibernation but as the ladies returned to their more stricter mode the serious element and pace began to kick in and the competitive streak more than showed.

The Rebels and Paramana met in the first premier division game of the day.

(above) Rebels (light blue bibs) v's Paramana (white bibs)
in today's first premier div game.

(above) Division 1 games between Kawaimini and Veupunama( pics 1 & 2)

and Paramana and island Girls (pic 3)

(above) A look at new team in premier division, Kapunarau (motled blue floral skirts)

going through their paces against a brightly attired Sparrows team.

Trail games for all other divisions were also played today with the earliest being the U10's first thing this morning.

A reminder to all teams playing over the trials period that umpires are expected from them and so they should not simply walk off after their games. If the courtesy has been extended to umpire your game, return the complement.

Game 3 of round 2 of the PCNC will be played tomorrow.

A Quick Change to Our Look

2010-04-10T22:50:00.000+10:00

As life would have it, we change the furniture around in the house every so often just to see how it would look and we too are experimenting with the look of our site at Near the Hoop so it stays fresh and current.

We'd love to hear you comments and if we can incorporate them, we will.

Images from the Archives - Poreporena Netball Association Grand Final 2009

2010-04-10T00:05:00.002+10:00

Late last year, just before the National Championships in Manus, the Poreporena Netball Association held their grand finals at Hanuabada.

Starting with the U13's and makingg their way progressively to the main A grade event, the games were held in the heart of the big village with all the pomp and ceremony expected of such an occasion. The only difference was the court was the main street, the lines marked in oil and the nets, mounted on tyre rims, rolled out for the event.

The spectators needed only to step out of their houses to watch, or sit on their verandas and take in the games.

The street was blocked off at the main intersection well in advance that morning and the stage had been set with uniformed supporters, cheerleaders and a few drops to get set for the biggest day in the PNA calendar.

The handful of images from our archives that are set out below are taken from a selection that has been uploaded to our galleries for your enjoyment.

For the politically correct, the Poreporena Netball Association has now been altered to be the Motu Koita Netball Association and will include several of the Hiri and Lagatoi constituents to the respective electoral boundaries. Kairuku Hiri and Central Associations absorb the balance. One thing we can be assured of is that the passion will still remain for the game

From what we are hearing, the street games at hanuabada will be a thing of the past as Governor Parkop has made a commitment to build several courts similar to the Erima courts at the big village and we are looking forward to when they are completed so we can bring you images of the games staged there.

I bet they never thought these images would make press..........

PNG's Pepe's to participate at Commonwealth Games

2010-04-09T21:59:00.001+10:00

Verbal confirmations have been received from the PNG Sports Federation and the PNG Netball Federation that Fiji's appeal to be included at this year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi failed last week when a Court of Arbitration rejected Fiji's case, meaning that the way is now clear for the Pepe's to take their place at the games.

IFNA posted a confirmation dated 1st April on its website titled "CAS Dismisses Fiji Appeal", however, the formal notifications we understand have only reached the PNGNF this week.

A press release is expected to be provided early next week formally inviting PNG to be the eleventh netball team at the games. India takes the final spot as host.

This provides PNG with an excellent oportunity to make its mark and may just turn a few heads as we have beaten several of the middle order teams including the Cook Islands and Samoa. Preparations have never been so important for the Pepe's and Pole Kassman and Mike Petrides are confident they are steering the squad in the right direction. The Pacific Netball Series in June should be a decent performance barometer ahead of the Games.

The Pepe's international committments this year are also critical to whether or not we will also be invited to the World Championships set for Singapore next year, so there is quite a lot of responsibility on the national team this year.

Ahead of a formal release by the PNG Netball Federation we should be wishing the Pepe's, their management and coaching staff a hearty congratulations and good luck .

IFNA link;
IFNA website posting - Fiji's Participation in Commonwealth Games

PCNC Scores and Draws for Sunday 11th April 2010

2010-04-09T20:51:00.002+10:00

It will be another of those, Oh My God, I didn't realise I was that unfit as the ladies take the court this Sunday after having had two weeks of kicking up their heels from four, since the close of round 1.

The scores below are from 28th March 2010.

Scores

Round 2 Game 2

28 March 2010

Draws

Round 2 Game 3

11 April 2010

Near the Hoop understands a new points table is being devised to take acknowledge teams that that turn up consistently but loose as opposed to those teams that forfeit out of convenience and still get the same result. We will publish that as soon as it is available.

POMNA Season Starts - Draws for Sat 10 April 2010

2010-04-09T19:57:00.001+10:00

The Port Moresby Netball Association posted its draws on Tuesday ahead of its first trial games this Saturday.

New team in the Premier Division, Kapuanrau meet with the Sparrows on court 3 at 12:00 while last years premiers Telstars will enjoy a bye. There will be seven teams in the premier division this year so at least one team will enjoy a week off each week.

In all there will be six new clubs entering the competition in 2010. All clubs will be expected to field both senior and junior division teams. The new clubs/teams are;

                                                  Premier Div -   Kapunarau
                                                  Division 3     -   Salvos Central
                                                  Division 4     -   Raukele, Gulf, Mona and Australian High Commission

The U10's start the day off with a sprightly 8:30 am start on courts 1 - 3.

Draws

Draws for this Saturday are attached below (click to enlarge)

Enjoy your games.

Our appologies for the late posting of the draws. We will ensure next weeks draws are available at least by mid week.

We're Back

2010-04-09T14:54:00.003+10:00

Apologies good followers, we've been a little distracted after Easter and injuries don't help our cause either.

There are a few articles of interest coming up that will raise a few eyebrows and then some celebrations too.

Draws and scores, as late as they are, will be posted shortly including POMNA's start to their competition.

Without games last week, we've found images we have in archive of last years "Poreporena" grand finals in the streets of Hanuabada that should be interesting viewing and of course some trivia and humour that has come to hand. Poreporena are of course "Motu Koita" now so we'll need to be politically correct on that from here on.

See you soon, near the hoop

Bisini Netball Gym Available to Netballers

2010-03-30T21:22:00.002+10:00

Emerging from last Saturdays POMNA AGM is the news that the Gym at Bisini will be made available to netballers five days a week between the hours of 9am and 6pm. The gym is situated within the existing ablution block and is kitted with some of the best gym equipment available today.

A supervisor has been appointed and will be responsible for access and programs should they be required. However, it will only be available by appointment. Details are being worked out at the moment and the netball community will be advised accordingly. A start date too has still not been decided.

For all enquiries please contact either

Mr Mike Petrides,
Mrs Pole Kassman,
Mrs Carolyn Genaia or
Ms Lynette Maha.

Contact details will be listed on our side-board once they have been finalised so check every so often for that. It will remain permanently there as a reference for all.

Once the supervisor's name has been released, we will also advise you.

(picture set above) Members of the Pepe's squad using the equipment

The equipment is already being used by the Pepe's as part of their training regime. There are ten stations so a limited number of people can be accommodated in any one session.

Respect for others is paramount so please take all the expected paraphernalia with you, like small towels to wipe down sweat from the equipment, bring your own water and no chewing or smoking on the premises.

Gallery Update for last Sunday's Games Uploaded - 28 March 2010, (88 pics)

2010-03-30T01:34:00.001+10:00

Hello faithful ones,

We seem to have gotten things together a bit better worked out this week. Your images from Sunday's games have been uploaded to an album for your enjoyment.

Next Sunday will be a day off so we'll be looking into our gallery library to see what goodies we can bring up for you to enjoy. Perhaps images from the 2007 National Championships in Lae, or the Poreporena grand finals last year, perhaps even from last years POMNA grand final between Paramana and Telstars.......

Don't forget, Easter has some significant values that we should all be observing and is a very solemn, serious day in our Christian calendar. Please take the time to appreciate them.

PSNA President Expresses Thanks

2010-03-29T12:40:00.002+10:00

In a short telephone interview with Mrs Lynna Koneubau, President of the Public Servants Netball Association mid last week, Mrs Koneubau expressed satisfaction at the achievements of the association this season and was looking forward to starting the new season off in October this year with a bit more certainty and stronger unity among participating clubs/teams. " I am confident in a much better organised competition next year and call on all members both individually and as teams to work collectively at improving the level of competition and better cooperation among member clubs in 2011.

She confirmed that trophies and awards for this year would be distributed on a Corporate Dinner and Presentation Night which she anticipates will be in late May/early June. The PSNA Executive is still working out the details but the event would be a joint 2009/2010 presentation night and cover last years unfortunate circumstances.

(above) Mrs Lynna Koneubau

President - Public Servants netball Association

"My sincere thanks go the whole PSNA Executive and working committees, who were working under difficult circumstances to get through this season. To Anne Dobin and her match committee and Vice President Mary Albaniel for her support this season."

With the success of this season, it is hoped that other teams would now consider joining the next season which starts in October 2010 reiterating that the current Executive was committed to rebuilding the PSNA to the days when there were 50 and 60 public service teams competing every Sarturday, where women in the public service could enjoy interacting, networking and keeping healthy in a environment of friendship and well being. On behalf of my Executive, "I encourage other teams thinking of joining, to please orgnise yourselves and apply in September/October of this year"

Mrs Koneubau also extended another invitation to anyone interested in joining the group traveling to the Pan Pacific Masters Games in Australia this year to contact any of the PSNA executive for details. A meeting will be held at the Sir Donald Cleland Pool after Easter, possibly on Saturday 10th April 2010.

Brian Bell Lose 3 In a Row - Looking at Sunday 28th March 2010

2010-03-29T02:08:00.019+10:00

Brian Bell 1, clear leaders of the PCNC competition's premier division only three weeks ago, must be wondering what else they have to do to remove what seems like a hex on their team when they were crushed by a high flying Air Niugini side 28 - 15 in today's second last premier division game.

The lady retailers were a little shocked at the end of today's game because that now makes it three embarrassingly large losses in a row for a team that one month ago were looking top shelf material. Captain/coach Carolyn Genaia looked like the soles of her shoes had burned through and was scratching for answers herself, but Brian Bell has a proven track record as an excellent netball team and needs only to shake from this patch of purple to be back in the driver's seat again.

A great contest between Air Niugini and Brian Bell

Time, however, is Brian Bell's worst enemy because with the writing on the wall they know they must really get their act together quickly from here on if they are to have any chance of making the finals.

It was a painful welcome back for Emily Maha who had to miss several games attending to family commitments and was clearly frustrated when the simple things seemed so hard to get done. To add salt to the wound each turn over was punished by PX with a net at the other end.

Air Niugini on the other hand have hit excellent form and may be the team now to watch over the next four weeks. Stand out players for PX include second half shooter, Stella Wakela and the defensive three.

IPA are the other team hitting form at the right time and today showed what they are capable of, finishing off their attack well every time they came near the hoop and spearheaded by a well organised and hungry attacking four, they were lethal against Fairdeal this afternoon. By dispatching the competition front runner's, Fairdeal Liquor, this afternoon 25 - 16, IPA have also put their hand up as a real contender for this year's prize. Captain/coach Julianne Maliaki was still not completely happy about some of the more basic aspects of their game and will be making it a priority for them to get it right at training, but you could feel a real buzz among the team members this afternoon. They are in the right spirit and that in itself must account for something. Fairdeal for their part must be wondering how their prospects look with two losses on the trot as well.

The timing and the size of this weeks loss has to be a concern for Fairdeal because it was also at about this time last year that the other teams started to reel them in after they lead the comp into round 2. FDL are a good team and don't want to be in that situation again this year.

(above) IPA in maroon and gold trim controlled FDL well today

(above) Great defense by Westpac's Jenny Lakaro

was a feature of this game and they nearly grabbed a win from it.

In the final game of the afternoon Westpac very narrowly missed out on a draw. The final score NSL 14 - 13. NSL must be breathing a deep sigh of relief at full time as they seemed to struggle a bit in the dying stages of the game, lacking the intensity they showed when beating Fairdeal last week. Westpac did muscle up this week and played a sound game especially in defense, with Keeper, Jenny Lakaro and Defender, Notau Leko putting in an exceptional effort

What it has been, is a crazy weekend and from the looks of things it's going to get crazier.

BSP had an easy 3-points bagged as Daltron never showed today. Lets hope they get themselves sorted after Easter. Instead, BSP had a friendly match with division 1's Fincorp who also had a forfeit win. Although BSP played their players in positions they don't normally play in, Fincorp took the game as a good training run and beat the premier division defending champions in the process.

In other divisions, the grind continues as teams like Division 2's PNGFOC returned to their winning form beating a very determined BSP2, 26 - 19 and SMEC in division 7 held onto a well deserved draw with division leaders NPS 21 - 21. A mightly effort considering NPS easily accounted for Pacific Foods last week. Curiously, Lamana could not field a team today loosing by forfeit to Ray White Real Estate which will cause the ladder in division 7 to congest again at the top.

Other draws today include the game between Century 21 and ProClean in Div 8, 20 - 20. From all accounts the lead changed almost a million times during the match on court 4 (just kidding), ending with an exhausting but satisfying draw for both teams.

In division 1, Fincorp had a free pass as East West Transport couldn't muster the numbers take the court, Datec freed up the air a little with their new uniforms to take out Airlines PNG, 24 - 12 and division leaders Veupunama took care of business against Pryde Furnitures, 28 - 8.

(above) There is no mistaking Datec now in their new uniforms.

Today it was joy against Airlines PNG.

(above) Veupu's Kila Leana leads the attack

(above) SP have their second win with this effort against Hastings

(above) Able keeper Lahui Loi defends her net against

DataNets Anne Griffin. This was Able's first win of the season

The story's we really enjoy telling is that of the underdog getting up to win and there are several that are worth of a mention today. In division 2, SP Brewery who who couldn't have even paid for a win in round 1 celebrated their first win last week but then lo and behold, we see them putting together back to back wins this week by beating Hastings Deering, 18 nets to 14. Must be something you drank girls, but whatever it is, keep drinking it because it's working. Then in Division 6, Able Computing won their first ever game of the season when they beat 3rd placed DataNets 12 - 10. It was the first time for the Blue and Red colours to be hoisted as winners and they loved every minute afterward.

A crazy weekend indeed.

Next weekend is Easter Sunday and there will not be any games played but immediately after that the competition will lift a gear and the five crucial games to the finals will be mustered. It'll be interesting times no doubt and we'll be there to bring you the details every step of the way. If you have a story we missed or would like to tell, please do not hesitate to shoot it through. We'd love to see them and publish them for the world to enjoy.

Gallery images should posted Monday evening. So keep a look out.

POMNA competition to start trials on 10th April, 2010.

2010-03-29T00:32:00.004+10:00

The POMNA held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday afternoon at the Rita Flynn Courts.

All teams and interested parties attended and ratified the Presidents Report for 2009 tabled by incumbent Mrs Pole Kassman and the Financial Report for 2009 by Treasurer, Tui Alu.

Among other matters discussed and ratified were

             i)    The fee structures to be adopted for this years season proper
             ii)   ID's for players,
             iii) Starting date of the season,
             1v)   New clubs being admitted this season,
             v)    Use and application of the Gym and facilities,
             vi)   Upgrading of facilities including the courts and the options available to POMNA,
             vii) Overlapping of the PCNC competition and
             viii) Sponsorship for umpires this year.

Once minuted we bring you the details of decisions taken.

What can be confirmed however, is that the trials for this year will commence on Saturday, April 10, 2010 for three weeks with the season proper commencing on 1st May 2010. The season therefore will end mid September. The National Championships will be held on the 1st week of October.

The other thing we can also confirm is that a sponsorship package for umpires for this season moving forward has been agreed and will be announced soon.

So What's On Your Mind - PCNC Mid Season Meeting of Reps

2010-03-27T00:26:00.014+10:00

Before last Sunday’s games, a meeting of representatives was convened at the Rita Flynn Courts to thrash out a number of issues affecting the competition.

Issues raised basically revolved around

1) player eligibility,
2) the quality of umpiring and
3) the condition of the playing courts at Bisini.

The issues of eligibility are being addressed individually and the appropriate actions were being taken by the match committee and the Executive respectively. The bottom line however was that a level of honesty was expected from all participating teams in ensuring that the players nominated are genuine employees, their spouses and/or their dependents and that as sponsors, the employers were also taking a responsible position on such matters.

(above and below) a good number or representatives turned

up for the meeting

One sobering point raised was the purpose for which the competition was first developed. That the PCNC was a “social competition” and though it espoused good netball, it’s original concept was a means by which women of the private sector could socialize and enjoy the afternoon playing netball with workmates, family and friends. There will always be a range of talent and skills which is already reflected in the structure of divisions in the competition, however the needs and interests of those who enter the competition simply as a social commitment and a means of networking and consolidating friendships, must be respected as much as the interests of those that are driven by competition.

If the situation becomes untenable, the PCNC has a three member judiciary panel comprising the President of the PCNC, the President of the PNGNF and one of three nominated and independent female lawyers in Port Moresby to consider the legal aspects.

(above) Mrs Moka makes a point during last Sunday's meeting

The issue regarding the quality of umpires was and will continue to be a difficult one to address and was left as a work in progress, however where there are concerns regarding the quality of umpires, teams are urged to raise their concerns immediately before or after the game. Janet Ravusiro, as Coordinator of Umpires already has a difficult task balancing the needs of the competition with the limited resources she has at her disposal. So with approximately 40 games to manage each weekend, some understanding, cooperation and appreciation would be a welcome gesture, because without umpires, there can be no games.

Consideration was given to future clinics provided by the PNG Netball Federation with a suggestion that teams offer at least one name to attend the coaching and umpire clinics when they occur.

The final serious issue raised was the very poor condition of the courts being played on, especially the dirt (village) courts 5 – 9. Though many suggestions were offered up, any action on the issue remained in the domain of the Port Moresby Netball Federation. The PCNC Executive was however obliged to take the matter up with POMNA on behalf of its members.

For details please see your company rep that attended.

The PCNC Executive extended an invitation to those qualifying to travel with the PNG Masters teams to the Gold Coast this November to register their interests. Teams will be broken up into age groups from “old bombs” to “wrecks”, (just joking).

Age groups start from 35, so if you are interested, see Mrs Hitolo Moka or members of her committee.

REMINDER NOTICE FOR POMNA AGM - Saturday 27th March 2010

2010-03-25T11:15:00.005+10:00

This is a notice to all clubs participating in the Port Moresby Netball Association (POMNA) Competition.

NOTICE CONVENING

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF

PORT MORESBY NETBALL ASSOCIATION (POMNA)

AT 1:30 PM

ON SATURDAY - 27TH MARCH 2010

AT THE RITA FLYNN COURTS - BISINI

From Mrs Pole Kassman

President POMNA

Queries should be directed to either

Mrs Pole Kassman on 321 1500 - email: pole.kassman@pg.pwc.com

or Mrs Carolyn Genaia on 325 8066 -email: n/a

Welcome to Round 2 - PCNC Sunday 21 March 2010

2010-03-25T11:10:00.017+10:00

As we all rudely realised, round 2 kicked off on Sunday with most teams and players still getting over the week off.

"It seems like it's been a month" we could hear it being said as girls kitted up for their games and their condition reflected what they were saying.Some matches looked like they were being played in slow motion, but fear thee not, over the next few weeks the bug will will kick in and we'll see the fire burning in the belly once again.

But just as you get into some sort of rhythm, Easter comes along. So guess what, next week we bet you'll all be wondering what to do with your selves in the morning after the Easter egg hunt with the kids is over.

Before the games started last Sunday, PCNC President Hitolo Moka called a meeting of representatives to discuss issues raised during the course of round 1, a story which we'll provide to you after the executive have approved a draft, but safe to say, the concerns are legitimate and do work to improve the competition without defeating the purpose and original concept of the competition.

So how was game 1 of round 2 across the board? Very interesting would have to be the answer. Crazy even in some instances.

If you were a betting person you wouldn't want to try and predict the outcome of the premier division games, which is now an absolute mixed bag. You would have to be a really brave person to predict who will be there come finals time in seven weeks.

Even in division 7 there were interesting moments. SMEC's 19 - 14 win against Air Niugini place them on even points as the airliner and if they keep up the form they are in right now they may even have a chance for the final four. Meanwhile NPS's big win over Paradise Foods in the same division will give them an edge over Lamana who are the current leaders and had a bye on Sunday.

(above and below) SMEC's new found form brought home a

good win against Air Niugini 2

Results in other divisions were just as jumbled all attributable to the week-off, so they tell us. The biggest surprise was Fincorp who after a string of serious losses was able to grind out a one net win on Sunday against CPL1, 23 - 22. So, Dominic, could this be the great Fincorp resurgence we've been mulling over.

The Datec ladies finally put their swish new sky blue uniforms on display and almost pulled off a win against division leaders Veupunama 1. Veupu had to get into the spirit too, insisting on a photo opportunity before the game started. Typical!

The bright colour seemed to work wonders with the Datec ladies lifting their game for spectators. Veupu only managed to scoot away at the very end to beat the sky blue side by 16 - 11. At least now we won't confuse them with CPL.

(above) Presenting Datec's new absolutely swish uniform

Talking about uniforms, there are some absolutely spectacular outfits on the courts recently, from the smart white tunics of Higher Arctic Energy to the rainbow effect of Exxon Mobil. Paradise Foods bold white and red gear gives them a very polished look and for some reason, is an easy favourite of ours.

(above) Gordons International High School and

(below) Mirupasi Lawyers in their uniforms

(above) Paradise Foods have a red and white uniform very pleasing

to the eye

Gordons International School and Mirupasi in Division 5 use a smart system of green floral and color bands which have a very neat, coordinated and comfortable look and work well when identifying the teams. Then there are the striking standouts like Century 21, Second Time Around and Security Plus who's yellow and black combination are very difficult to distinguish at first glance. They differ only in the skirts and even then you have to look twice. It must be difficult if the teams are in the same division but as Margaret Sulia advises, where there is an issue, the use of bibs become obligatory.

We've heard on the grapevine that Coral Sea Hotels have a new set of uniforms on the way too so that should put another colour scheme into the mix very shortly.

While we're talking about Coral Sea Hotels, the netball gods much be smiling on them this week because they were able to produce a miracle win on Sunday, beating MRL playing while with only 4 and a half players. Four and a half because Endiopa Yama still has a crook knee and with two players not turning up, she had to play shooter without a goal attack or a wing attack. It was tough seeing her hobble through the motions at shooter, but as the game progressed and she got more confident, so did her accuracy. Believe it or not, Coral Sea won that game 13 - 5.

(above) Endiopa Yama worked some magic with her undermanned

Coral Sea Hotels side near the hoop

A wayward child wonders onto court 4 in the middle

of a Kina attack. It was Kapu Ravu (Kina GS on the right) who

gently moved the child off the court

In another surprise divisional leaders in Division 2, PNGFOC were finally toppled from their perch at the hands of Kina 1 who were looking very sharp on Sunday, even when a wayward child walked on the court in the middle of an assault on the PNGFOC net, first half shooter Kapu Ravu still had the presence of mind to gently pickup the child and place her out of harms way and return to the fray to score a net. Well done Kapu and well done Kina.

Kina 1 accounted for PNGFOC quite convincingly 21 - 14.

In the premier division, the wheels seem to have fallen off the Brian Bell cart when they faced off with Fairdeal Liquor for a second time in as many weeks. It is now back to back games that they have lost to Fairdeal and in the process have also lost the advantage they had as clear division leaders two weeks ago. This is pretty big deal for Carolyn Genaia and the Brian Bell team and you can bet they'll be having a real good look at how poorly they are playing.

(above) Brian Bell centre, Phyliss Kala looks to unload a pass in mid court.

Brian Bell seemed a little lost at the weekend, losing again to Fairdeal.

(above) Air Niugini's defence was the best we'd seen it this year

(above) Renagi Dringo and Vele Iamo in great form leading the BSP attack

Air Niugini have found form at the right time and were able to beat IPA in a very hard fought game in the last game of the day. With that they have to be one of the division favourites and certainly look like they are enjoying their netball. Westpac on the other hand has hit a real purple patch and has also suffered two big losses in as many games. Westpac just didn't have the money in the bank against BSP loosing 24- 10 to the green machine. They are still well clear of Daltron who had moments of brilliance in their match against NSL, but the superannuation ladies have a very balanced team and once they found their rythm, they just ran over the IT retailers.

In the other permier division game of the day, it looks like the home stretch march for BSP is on target so the next six weeks will really be interesting to watch

This weekends line up looks like another painful lesson is in store for Daltron as they battle with BSP but the real dust up we think will be in the PX v Brian Bell match at 2:45pm. Both teams need the win, firstly to give Brian Bell back their confidence and for Air Niugini, it will make a statement about their finals chances. It will be an interesting game.

(above) IPA looking very strong in premier division

Sparks should also fly in the Fairdeal v IPA game this weekend as IPA have lifted their game tempo quite high and just need to tweak the combinations to make their attack more fluid. This no doubt will convert to nets for them. Fairdeal will give them a real run for their money and as division leaders Fairdeal will not be run down easily. It will be a good test for Julianne Maliaki's attacking four.

Welcome to round 2 folks, looks like were in for quite a season of netball.

PCNC Gallery for 21 March Uploaded (175 images)

2010-03-25T01:14:00.002+10:00

Things have been sorted so the PCNC album for last Sunday has now been uploaded. We have 175 images for you to enjoy.

Thank you for your patience.

For the girls at SMEC, I hope it was our presence with the cameras that inspired your win over PX ........

Cheers

PCNC Gallery for 21 March 2010.

2010-03-24T03:30:00.001+10:00

Sorry folks, there is an issue with the number of images we are uploading to the web.

We are currently sorting that out and hopefully have the album uploaded today once we have a clearance.

PCNC Scores and Draws

2010-03-24T03:25:00.001+10:00

Scores for last Sunday's games as provided by PCNC Executive

Please check for accuracy and advise the match committee of any anomolies.

The Points ladder after last Sunday's games is as follows

And finally the draws for next weeks games are as follows.

Please note that there will not be any games played over the Easter long weekend - April 4th, 2010. The draws for game 3 resumes as normal the week after.

PSNA Grand Final's Pics Uploaded

2010-03-24T02:59:00.003+10:00

To those in the Public Service, our images of the Grand Finals held on Saturday are now uploaded.

For team photo's please contact us if you wish to purchase one. The images we have are in high resolution which will make a better photograph than the ones we post.

Congratulations to all teams that participated. Congratulations to the Executive, the Umpires and spectators on a well managed event.

For the record the Champions of the PSNA for 2010 are as follows

Premier Division - National Fisheries Authority def Telikom 22 - 16

Division 1 - Dept of Works def Ombudsman Commission 19 - 17

Division 2 - PNG Power def Dept of Labour and Industrial Relations 23 - 20

Division 3 - Not held

Division 4 - National Gaming Control Board def Mineral Resources Authority 16 - 11

Division 5 - Dept of Justice and Attorney General def Hahediba 25 - 17

Enjoy the furlough and well see you again in October when the new season commences.

Gallery Uploads tonight

2010-03-23T20:45:00.003+10:00

Hello all,

Have had a few issues with the rain affecting ISP transmissions. We will have galleries updated tonight for your enjoyment tommorrow.

PSNA Grand Final Gallery will have over 180 images and over 130 for last Sunday's PCNC games.

Appreciate your patience.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - POMNA

2010-03-22T20:03:00.003+10:00

This is a notice to all clubs participating in the Port Moresby Netball Association (POMNA) Competition.

NOTICE CONVENING

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF

PORT MORESBY NETBALL ASSOCIATION (POMNA)

AT 1:30 PM

ON SATURDAY - 27TH MARCH 2010

AT THE RITA FLYNN COURTS - BISINI

From Mrs Pole Kassman

President POMNA

Queries should be directed to either

Mrs Pole Kassman on 321 1500 - email: pole.kassman@pg.pwc.com

or Mrs Carolyn Genaia on 325 8066 - email:

PSNA premiers for 2009/2010 season - Div 2 and Div 1

2010-03-22T17:10:00.009+10:00

Here's to the champions of Divisions 2 and 1

Division 2

PNG Power 23 - Department of Labour 20

After 4 years in division 2, 2010 was the year that held the most prospect for PNG Power to finally taste the wonderful nectar of victory and hold aloft divisional championship and what a show they gave us. Melveen Raga too, had kept good her promise and the Department of Labour heavies had come out in force to witness the occasion. Win or lose, the Department of Labour was going to show us some good netball and you know what, that is exactly what they did.

The start of this game was like a starter's gun going off for the 100 meter relay and Labour showed they meant business scoring the first net of the game. It was the most intense start to a game of all the games so far, so we all knew we were in for a cracker of game.

The score was evenly poised throughout the first half and at half time the score was a close 11 - 10 with Labour holding the advantage and the cracks in the Power defence were showing up as young Nancy David's accuracy near the hoop shone through. The combination with her and mother Pulina at GA, was working well and keeping Power's Wari Livingstone busy near the hoop.

It was a short period mid second half that Power seemed to click into gear and find form both in defence and attack and the chatter, especially between the attacking four spilled over into a new found confidence. In that short period, Power racked up five unanswered nets and writing began to appear on the wall.

This final was played at a frantic pace right from the whistle

(above) After 4 years, PNG Power were ecstatic to

sample the sweet taste of victory.

To their credit, Labour lifted their game intensity to shut down the Powers attack but it was catch up from then on. With such short halves to this social form of the game the score was impossible to chase down. The final score PNG Power, Champions after four years of trying, 23 beating a very impressive Department of Labour 20.

Melveen Raga in particular has to be commended for making sure the upper echelon of the Department of Labour were there, including Secretary Tibu, Deputy Secretary Donald Lumen, Workers Compensation Chief Commissioner Mrs Mary Morola, Regional Managers, David Ninewale, Thomas Tape and Frank Otio and other senior offices were there to enjoy the day and watch a wonderful grand final series.

At the DLIR tent, (seated from left) Secretary Tibu, WC Commissioner Mary Morola

Deputy Secretary Lumen. Regional Manager Islands,

Frank Otio (standing hehind Secretary Tibu) and Momase, David Ninawale

(seated behind D-Sec Lumen)

Well after the courts were vacated, the Department of Labour tent and was seen still up and enjoying the afternoon at the courts.

The afternoon however belonged to PNG Power and so a sterling congratulations must go to the ladies at PNG Power, to coach Eau Avosa and captain Wari Livingstone who were very cool under the circumstances and perhaps knew they had the game when the little things began to click together for the girls.

Congratulations PNG Power and enjoy your win.

As a footnote, our collective thoughts are with PNG Power Captain, Wari Livingstone, who's husbands grandmother passed last week and then during the game on Saturday she received word her own grandmother had also passed. On behalf of the netball community we pass on our condolences to both her and her husbands families.

Division 1

Department of Works 19 - Ombudsmen Commission 17

It seemed like it was a good omen for the Works team, the rains had eased up, the new uniforms added new colour to the side, their little bivouac at the Holiday Inn for the night had given the girls real lift in spirits and the side seemed relaxed about taking the court.

The Eagles on the other hand looked somewhat perplexed and coach Renagi Dringo was doing all she could to relax them so much so they missed their photo session on court 3.

This was the stepping stone to the premier division so win or lose they were looking at starting the new season as the new kids on teh block in the highest division in the PSNA. If that's a tense build up to the game its shouldn't because they had gotten their on the back of some excellent netball, their tenacity and a strong belief in themselves and they should be congratulated anyway.

To say Ombudsmen were slow out of the blocks is an understatement as things just were not happening for what was a highly disciplined side. Communication among the players just wasn't there from the week before and the mid court just could not find a channel to feed their attack and when it did get there the accuracy which underpinned the last two weeks effort seemed to have left them. By the time they had found some sort of rhythm, Works had scooted to a 7 net lead. In total contrast, Boi Soge, Kimberley Alex and veteran Davera Guru were having a field day near the hoop.

(above) Works in their new black and yellow uniforms

and Ombudsmen in green in centre court.

OC Eagles did find their rhythm and to their credit clawed the score back to a respectable 12 - 7 scoreline at half time.

The second half saw a much more determined Eagles team and the recovery started, again it only takes a favourable call at the right time to get things rolling and for a short stanza, the young Ombudsman cavalry lead by a very capable attacking foursome. With a bit more determination they were able to haul in the deficit to only two nets. At one stage they were within one but Ati Rawali's charges were able to hold off the late charge and claiming the champions title for 2010.

The final score 19 - 17.

(above) The "winners tent" as Works celebrate their win

Works who were in a celebratory mood whether they won or lost were excellent ambassadors of netball on the day and so we pause to say, Congratulations to Works for well deserved win.

PSNA premiers for 2009/2010 season

2010-03-21T00:14:00.002+10:00

NFA and Telikom were not the only ones to play in a grand final today.

There were three other grand finals held in the PSNA end of seasone event. This is a summary as an appetiser for you all. Over the next week we'll bring you the more detailed stories and the stories within the story.

We'll show the team photos probably tomorrow with a few game pics. Because there are so many game pics we need to process, they will be uploaded on Monday, but tonight we bring you the more emotive reminders for the winning teams of the moments just after the final hooter.

Division 5
DJAG 25 - Hahediba 17

We start with Division 5 as the event opener this morning between two very consistent teams, the Department of Justice and Attorney General and Hahediba. hahediba should get a special mention because they are a team made up of teachers from the the June Valley/Tokarara Community School. Their rise from 4th place in the division to contest the grand final against the minor premiers of the division DJAG was in itself a lesson in courage, determination and self belief.

(above and below) DJAG (black and white) too strong for Hahediba in 2010

Sadly they met their match in the Department of Justice and Attorney General and were just not able to click in the first half to make a difference succombing 25 - 17 to the ladies in black adn white. DJAG shooter May Pirikas and GA Henao Gawa were surprisingly accurate in their conversions near the hoop.

Eileen Gorogo captain of the Hahediba side played her heart out in the season closer and Katrin Ikupu, GS for the teachers once she got her measure of the court was sharp as a tack. Time was their biggest enemy today but graceous in defeat they look forward to a brighter 2010/2011 season.

Good on you lasies and congratulations to DJAG.

Division 4

NGCB 16 - MRA 11

This final was of particular interest to us, because both teams were finalists in Div 5 last year.

This year both teams were not going to let sentiment get in the way and went at it a frantic pace from the first whistle. MRA were in there familiar green and blue but NGCB seemed to turn things on their head when they appeared in a strange dusty blue and purple uniform having traded in their highly visibe black and gold strip they had played the entire season in.

Perhaps that was the distraction but at half time the score was 3 nets adrift 8 - 5, with NGCB taking advantage of a lapse in concentration and communication by the MRA ladies.

The game was what we expected with explosive pace, great skills and fabulous netball.

NGCB were able to keep the pressure on, capitalising on errors the mining industry ladies made mid second half and in the end ran out winners 16 - 11. This final was especially important to both teams as having misssed out in 2009, actually taking the court this year made the whole reason they played in the PSNA, worthwhile.

(above) MRA attack the net midway through the game and

(below) NGCB enjoy the congratulations of fans and supporters

and NGCB staff

Congratulations the NGCB, comiserations to MRA but it'll be another division for both teams and another step up for the PSNA.

We'll bring you Divsion 2 and Division 1 round up tomorrow morning.

Right now the urgent need for water in a city without water requires our immediate attention.

Near the HOOK - NFA are 2010 PSNA Premier Division Champions

2010-03-20T22:11:00.002+10:00

It was "HOOK WE, HOOK WE" immediately after the final siren went off at the Rita Flynn Netball Courts this afternoon signalling a changing of the guard in the Public Servants Netball Association premier division as the National Fisheries Authority pulled off what has to be cosidered a coup in their first year in the division, they had just beaten the the premier division's powerhouse club, Telikom, to claim the 2010 PSNA premier division netball championship.

(above and below) Ecstasy for NFA and disbelief for Telikom

as the final hooter sounds

(above) NFA staffers congratulate their players for a job well done

With only a 10 - 9 advantage at half time it was anybody's game and with Pauline Parker having a horror of an afternoon near the hoop, it seemed the nerves of the big stage would overtake the division newcomers in the second half and Telikom would do what they had done all season and haul in the Fisheries ladies. Telikom are well known as strong finishers and so with the scores at such a tight margin, it looked as though this was going to be another of those lessons we so often hear about wth the old dog taking care of the young pup.

I guess no one anticipated the pup turning out to be a tiger shark and when a tiger shark bites it leaves quite a gash. Changes done to the NFA attack at half time with vetern Cathy Solomon moving to GA and Gillian Ole to shooter brought that tiger shark bite into the NFA attack and the rest is history.

(above) NFA captain, Cathy Solomon duels for

position with Telikom's Kerry Tarue

(above) Running repairs for Telikom's defender Gewa Raula

(above) NFA's keeper Lavu Iru had a marvelous game guarding

the net against Mary Gumia and Anne Dobin

(above) Under pressure, NFA's key attack specialist

Gillian Ole (shooting) was simply outstanding

Telikom played an outstanding game, don't ever take that away from them, it was just as we said at their earlier match up, NFA just played that much better.

Closing the game 22 - 16, NFA are indeed the 2010 champions in PSNA netball.

As a team NFA played an outstanding game, but if there was to be a Most Valuable Player (MVP) for this grand final it would have to be Gillian Ole, who's experience near the hoop, inteligent choice of options and coolness under pressure opened up the game for the Fisheries ladies, motivating them all to play to their best.

Well done and congratulations NFA.

PSNA FUNDRAISER DANCE AT POMCC - SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2010

2010-03-19T15:47:00.000+10:00

HEY JUST A REMINDER TO ALL INTERESTED IN A GOOD NIGHT OUT WITH THE PSNA LADIES, IT LOOKS LIKE SATURDAY NIGHTS ALRIGHT.........

THERE WILL BE AN END OF SEASON FUNDRAISING DANCE

FOR THE PSNA

ON SATURDAY 20TH MARCH 2010

AT THE

PORT MORESBY COUNTRY CLUB (POMCC) - WAIGANI

TICKETS K12.00 PRE-SOLD

K15.00 AT THE GATE

SEE YOUR CLUB OFFICIALS FOR TICKETS OR

JUST TURN UP

TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS

THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR US THIS YEAR

JUST ONE MORE APPOINTMENT FOR THIS SEASON

SEE YOU AT THE POMCC ON SATURDAY NIGHT

IT'S MORE THAN A PARTY,

IT'S A CELEBRATION

SEE YOU THERE

Division 5 Grand Final Profile - Sat, 20 Mar 2010

2010-03-19T15:20:00.003+10:00

Unfortunately we have not got any contacts for either Justice or Hahediba who are contesting the Division 5 grand final tomorrow.

Department of Justice and Attorney General (above) and Hahediba (below)

will be the combatants in tomorrows div 5 grand final.

Our appologies for not having a profile for you, unfortunately we are just not able to contact you this week for a chat.

Good luck to both teams for tomorrow and we look forward to resolving the contact issues after this week.

As we all know Division 3 will not have a grand final this year.

So, How Do You Rate Their Chances? - Division 4 - Our Brief Take on This Weekend's Grand Finals

2010-03-19T15:07:00.001+10:00

So, how do you think the division 4 stack up for tomorrow grand final?

Division 4

Of the four divisions contesting tomorrows grand finals, none have a more charming story to tell than that of the two teams in Division 4. Unfortunately we wont be able to profile the teams fully as both teams were not willing to discuss their teams ahead of tomorrows game.

The interesting thing is that both teams started off their team careers in division 5 last year with both actually reaching the grand final. As we all know there was quite an debacle at about this time last year when games where forced to be aborted because of disputes.

MRA and the NGCB were caught up in that struggle and had to simply kiss the grand final goodbye despite all the preparation and effort. For their part, both teams advanced to division 4 this year and out of the 2009/2010 season both teams have risen to again contest a grand final against each other in a higher division.

This time they get to play.

In their distinctive blue and green pleated skirts and Boroko Foodworld green tops, MRA will be out to put icing on their fairy tale finish to this years season. Shirley Mitchel has been shooting for MRA all season and is again expected to take her position up front with coach Sharon Bagi somewhere in the attack.

Near the Hoop was able to have a chat with Sharon in her capacity as coach/player yesterday and today and in the absence from the office of Ester Dromenge who will take her place in the defensive line up as captain of the MRA side. Mrs Bagi say's she is comfortable and very confident with the side. It seems that confidence is infectious with others you speak to at Mining Haus like Peti Andrew who plays WA, who was quick to add that she can't wait to take the court tomorrow.

Eva Ivanjoh Ningis's charges at the Gaming Board are just as eager to prove their point in tomorrow's grand final with mother daughter combination of Walo and Rhoda Kerea/Pele mixing it up on either side of the mid court scrimmage and adding to a well balanced NGCB team. Eva was not contactible today to give us a better picture of the team suffice to say they will be there to lay tomorrow.

For Shirley Mitchel, Sharon Bagi, Nancy Gado, Peti Andrew, Koiya Naime, Esther Dromange, Kila Nekital, Dianne Aikung and Betty Nendi, this will be their first grand final played as MRA as will it be for Eva Ningis and the girls at NGCB.

As to who will most likely win, the bets are open in this division. Both have a similar attacking style, both have balanced teams and both are hungry to lift the trophy tomorrow afternoon.Good luck to both teams, well done and play well but keep that smile in the back pocket somewhere because our camera's will be there with you near the hoop.