Kiunga take out National Championship "A" Grade Title

From all the reports returning with those that attended the National Championships in Lorengau, it seems we who didn’t go, are the ones that missed out on a good time, Well done Manus.

Despite all the hooha about getting there, 7 senior teams and 6 junior teams turned out at the Championships making it a manageable affair for organizers and good competitive netball.

Boe Lahui, Tournament Director for the event will provide more details on how the competition unfolded, later in the week, but from accounts received so far, the tournament was hassle free, played in the spirit of the game and competitive, in fact word has it that Kiunga would have even given the more established centres a good run for their money. Now that gets the sensations tingling, hey.

Young “Daphne Hungrabos” may be a name we will be hearing about more often in the future, if her development continues in the manner it is now.

At 18/19 this lass of Central and New Ireland parentage is an impact player that has huge prospects. Shooting for Kiunga in both U21 and senior competitions, her reach and agro and athleticism near the hoop made her a standout and was easily the “Shooter of the Tournament” this year.

Manus turned on the island charm and a welcome from Governor Michael Sapau appropriately instilled the merits of sport, competition and healthy living to all, commending the tournament organizers, sponsors and participants on choosing Manus for this year’s tournament.

From what we hear, the after-tournament bash wasn't too bad either with the garamut and Manusian Waltz resonating throughout Lorengau much to the crowds delight. Even the executives attending the AGM had to loosen the cobwebs and shake the booty a little.

Sponsors Goodman Fielder International under their brand “Flame Wholemeal Flour” were happy with the tournament and were impressed at how the absence of the bigger Associations was turned into a positive for development of the sport.

Well done again to the Manus Association and GFI from the entire netball fraternity.

Results from the tournament are;

A Grade – Kiunga 28 b Moresby NW 20
B Grade – Moresby NW 32 b Alotau 18
Masters – Manus 1 b Manus 2
U21 – Moresby NW 25 b Kiunga 18
U17 – Alotau 20 b Moresby NW 18
U15 – Alotau 22 b Kiunga 15
U13 – Manus 1 b Manus 2

Games were played at the Lorengau open courts and accommodation was informally billeted throughout the township.

Details of other games and awards will be provided as soon as they are to hand.

Madang will host the next Championships next September.

See you all again in 2010.