PCNC's Elimination Quarter Finals Sets Stage

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.