So, How Do You Rate Their Chances? - Division 2 - Our Brief Take on This Weekend's Grand Finals

"You know what, the whole of the Department of Labour will be there this Saturday to cheer us on"  That's the word from Melveen Raga when we spoke to her this morning.  You could tell the enthusiasm was frothing over as the employment regulators stepped up preparations for their Saturday morning challenge.  The only thing standing in their way - a just as enthusiastic PNG Power outfit.

We were able to speak to Eau Avosa yesterday and she had just as much enthusiasm bubbling through that you could have thought a tsunami was coming through.  Captain of the side, Wari Livingstone was much more calmer this morning knowing a lot rests on her defence of the net.

So how then do they or more importantly you, rate their chances?  Of course you'll be the judge of things when they run out on Saturday morning, but here's how we can see things unfolding for division 2.

Division 2

The exuberance shown by DOL is understandably from the success they have achieved having moved up a division this season. To contest the grand final at this level gives them a platform to division 1 next year and if you speak to many of the other teams in division 2, DOL are indeed a tough nut to crack. As clear minor premiers for 2010, they have had quite strong grip on a claim to the prize. But this is the finals and just the one loss here will either make you or break you.

Probably the only team to have beaten them this year now face them in the grand final.

(above) Department of Labour, taking the division by storm and

making an impression along the way

(above) PNG Power, finally in the big one. 

Will it be their year in 2010.

Having beaten Labour in the main season by one point and then losing to them in the quarter finals by one point, PNG Power must rate themselves as an even money chance against Labour.  If the season proper is any indication, Labour must be just a touch ahead as favourite for tomorrow's showdown, but if you speak to Eau Avosa, "We will take it as it comes".

Power have been in Division 2 for the last four seasons, always missing out in the elimination rounds leading into the grand final and now that they have arrived at the big game, they are ready.  No nerves according to Captain Wari Livingstone, "We need to just get the job done".

Livingstone will have the task of steering the team around the court as captain but her game at keeper will be critical if the Power want to contain the mother daughter combination of Nancy and Pulina David in the labour attack.
Labour will be relying on the combination of Pulina David - GA and Roslyn Kila - WA as their attack options with with  Pulina's daughter Nancy sharp near the hoop.  Ivalo Pepena scoutingg around the peripheral as a very active center will give the Power defence a real test, but Aiva Jackie is no slouch as the Power's veteran centre and so that little duel will perhaps make or break the grand final.  The team that gives their attack the best options may just be the key.

Melveen Raga is openly confident with her defensive zone with Leka Malu -WD and herself as goal defence covering the key and Lawa Iani keeping directly under the net.  They will have to as the Power share the same confidence with their attacking options.

(above) Labour's attack has been impressive all year but so

so has the Power combination with Vavine Laka (below) at shooter.

Lua Pinia, Madeleine Koiri and Kepi Gewa have been outstanding for the Power attack for most of the season but it will most likely be Lua that takes the court in the first half this Saturday as GA ahead of Kepi, with Madeleine as WA.  Vavine Laka will start as shooter and will be in the eye of the storm as Labour set about attempting to shut her out.  This is going to be an interesting hit out so make sure you're all there to watch.

Jackie Hape GD and Rodie Soweni WD will meet their arch rivals for this season again this Saturday.  Will they be able to contain the Labour attack?  Only time will tell and you'll miss that chance if you're not at the Bisini courts this Saturday.

This game is another bruiser for us to call and it just depends who turns up ready to play.  Melveen's charges go into camp this afternoon and looks at tomorrows match with all the seriousness it deserves.  Play hard and furious is our banner, but at the end of the day, make sure you know it is just a game and let good sportsmanship and the true nature of netball be a winner with both teams as grand finalists.

Will it be PNG Power or will it be Labour as the division 2 champions in 2010?  You be the judge, but as always, you'll find us somewhere near the hoop.