Blog: PacificAus Sports Netball Series

DAY SIX - FINALS

The Tonga Tala claimed a third PacificAus Sports Netball series title, defeating Malawi by 13 goals. Read match report here.

Another tight start resulted in the Fiji Pearls and Zambia trade goals to start their match. Both sides treasured possession working the ball forwards carefully and confidently. Fiji goal defence Vakaoca Bolakoro took an intercept in the defensive third to allow the Pearls to establish a lead and then she deflected to the Pearls’ advantage to push them further ahead again. At the first break the Pearls led by six. Zambia wing defence Gift Bunga ignited her side in the second quarter with a deflection to their advantage resulting in a much needed goal and then goal keeper Memory Musonda giving Zambia the opportunity for another which they took to trim the margin down to three. However, it wasn’t long before the Pearls regained control with goal shooter Lydia Seru holding her ground in the goal circle. At the start of the third quarter the Pearls were ahead 33 to 27. The Pearls kept their six-goal lead until a breaking call and then a stepping call led to Zambia being able to score and narrow the margin through captain Beauty Nakazwe. The final quarter was set up to be a thriller with only two goals separating the two teams at the final break. The Pearls upped the ante in the final quarter working together to shut down Zambia’s options across the court and pressure them into making errors. However, Zambia weren’t finished yet an intercept from defender Musconda sparking them again with about five minutes to go and the captain Nakazwe then converted the intercept. With scores level the teams went goal for goal until a Fijian error in the final thirty seconds resulted in Zambia winning by a goal. 

Goal for goal early, Samoa’s defensive pressure slowed Kenya’s movement into attack, once in the goal circle Kenya’s Beatrice Kubacho shone having gone into the match with a shooting accuracy of 85 per cent. While Samoa flowed more freely down the court scoring quicker than their counterparts due to the mobile movement of centre Jessica Laga’aia who consistently found space to drive in to. Samoa Tifa Moana captain Abigail Latu-Meafou scored off a penalty after the whistle to put her side ahead by five at the first break. Samoa’s suffocating defensive efforts continued in the second term with goal defence Bryah Gafa getting a deflection followed moments later with a forced held ball against Kenya as Samoa worked as a unit to cut off all of Kenya’s options. In the blink of an eye Samoa had extended their lead to 10 goals in the opening three minutes of the quarter. Kenya continued to try and find a path to score, however, Samoa was too strong pushing their lead out to 16 goals at halftime. Kenya trimmed the margin in the third quarter with their defensive unit rebounding Samoa’s missed goals and their shooters Kubacho and Hellen Sinoya converting down the other end. Kenya charged and won the third quarter by nine goals cutting Samoa’s lead down to seven. A missed Samoa goal and an intercept from Kenya meant the underdogs got as close as five goals behind in the last quarter, however, Samoa fired up and powered home to win 59 to 51.

Singapore started strongly converting four goals while Papua New Guinea (PNG) searched for their first. Donning the wing attack bib, Singapore captain Kai Wei Toh had the ball on a string through the midcourt moving the ball forwards and confidently feeding the ball into the goal circle with speed, catching the PNG defenders off guard. At the end of the first quarter Singapore were leading by five goals. Papua New Guinea began to work their way back early in the second quarter, goal shooter Rayleen Andrew presenting strongly in the goal circle and being rewarded. The Pepes continued to press, however, a late charge from Singapore saw them hold their five-goal lead. The battle for dominance continued in the third quarter with PNG defender Shannaz Apelis challenging Singapore’s Pei Shan Lee every time the ball came near. Singapore maintained the lead and went into the break ahead 43 to 37. The Pepes continued to turn ball over in the final quarter, giving their all to get back into the game, however, their inability to convert their gains saw Singapore break away to win by 11 goals. The match marked the retirement of former Pepe’s captains midcourter Jacklyn Lahari and defender Neritha Adula having both represented Papua New Guinea at a range of events including the Nations Cup in Singapore, the Pacific Games and previous PacificAus Sports Netball Series events. 

DAY FIVE - FINALS ROUND ONE

In a rematch of the day four thriller the night before Zambia and Malawi met again to determine who would go through to the grand final. Zambia continued where they left off the night before scoring three quick goals through Diana Banda and captain Beauty Nakazwe. Memory Musconda in goal keeper for Zambia had a strong start to the match celebrating her birthday with an early intercept. Malawi worked their way back to draw even by quarter-time. The Malawi Queens started the second quarter well pushing out to a five-goal lead with shooters Sindi Simtowe and captain Jane Chimaliro leading the way. Chimaliro took an impressive intercept in the midcourt before centre Takondwa Lwazi and wing attack Shira Dimba followed suit moments later. At halftime Malawi lead by seven goals and they maintained that lead going into the last quarter despite Zambia doing their best to claw back the margin. Malawi handled the pressure from Zambia well in the final quarter to book themselves a spot in the grand final, winning by 13 goals.

In a showdown between Tonga and Fiji, the Tonga Tala were first to establish a lead. Tonga wing defence Lucia Fauonuku intercepting the ball in the defensive third and applying pressure to shut down the Fiji Pearls going into attack. As the quarter wore on the Pearls lifted in defence keeping on their toes to confuse Tonga’s feeders. Fiji charged back late in the quarter just running out of time to score an equaliser goal meaning scores were Tonga 14 and Fiji 13 at the first break. Tonga extended their lead in the second quarter reading the play to turn over the ball and lead 33 to 27 at the halftime break. Fiji goal attack Unaisi Rauluni was a strong option for the Pearls in attack mobile in the goal circle to drive towards the post, however, Tonga’s defensive unit continued to steal possession. At the end of the third quarter Tonga had extended their lead from six at halftime to eight. Tonga’s experience shone in the final quarter from end to end they swiftly moved the ball down court. Uneeq Palavi had another strong match in goal shooter for Tonga as the side went on to win by 16 goals.

Samoa had a lightning-fast start to the first match of the day scoring seven goals before Singapore were able to answer with one. The connection between Ariana Luamanu and Jessica Laga’aia in the midcourt seamless as the duo worked the ball to circle edge time and time again to feed into Papi Alaalatoa and Abigail Latu-Meafou. At the end of the first quarter the Samoa Tifa Moana led by 10 goals. Singapore found some rhythm and settled in the game more in the second quarter with Amandeep Chahal and Pei Shan Lee working well together in the goal circle to find the post easier. However, Samoa remained in control extending their lead by one to 11. In the third quarter Samoa’s defence suffocated Singapore providing ample opportunities for Samoa to further push their lead out to 17 goals. Samoa’s Kara Adrole and goal keeper Sopolemalama Tuitama-Alsop kept challenging Singapore in the final quarter enabling Samoa stay in front and win by 20 goals.

Kenya soared to an eight-goal lead in the first quarter of their match against Papua New Guinea. Goal keeper Jackline Auro’s almost telepathic connection with goal defence Parin Simiyu allowing the duo to rebound and create pressure in the goal circle. Papua New Guinea’s Goloa Ovoa tried to create opportunities in attack for the Pepes, dodging her way around the attacking third with ease in the second quarter, however, Kenya continued to apply scoreboard pressure. At halftime scores were 33 to 23 with Kenya continuing to lead. In the third quarter Papua New Guinea continued to fight back against Kenya, however, were unable to narrow the margin with the three-quarter time score 50 to 36. Kenya strung together another strong performance in the final quarter going on to win 63 to 45.

DAY FOUR
African nations Malawi and Zambia delivered a thrilling opening quarter on day four foreshadowing the remainder of the match. Trading goals Zambia were able to break free to lead by two at the first change. Malawi wing defence Grace Mwafulirwa was a workhorse for the Queens turning over the ball and applying pressure across the court, however, Zambia capitalised off gains better in the opening quarter. A seesawing second quarter had the stadium enthralled with Zambia’s Diana Banda and Beauty Nakazwe putting on a show in their attacking end while Malawi’s Sindi Simtowe and Jane Chimaliro did the same for their side. At halftime scores were 25 to 23 with Zambia stringing together a couple of goals late in the quarter to lead. Energised by a vocal crowd after halftime the Malawi Queens upped the ante, making the most of their opportunities to convert and overtake Zambia to go into the fourth with a two-goal lead. Both sides gave everything in the final quarter, defensively on their toes to chase every opportunity they could, however, it was Zambia who prevailed charging from behind to defeat the world number six ranked Malawi Queens by four goals.

In a rematch of October’s PacificAus Sports Netball Series grand final Samoa and Tonga went head-to-head in the third match of the day. Tonga Tala stamped their authority early soaring down the court led by captain Hultia Veve in centre. Tala’s Uneeq Palavi and Marie Hansen’s connection in the goal circle was seamless catapulting the reigning champions to a 13-goal lead at the first break. The defensive pressure across the court from Tonga goal defence Valu Toutaiolepo created opportunities for Tonga to extend their lead. Samoa continued to battle throughout the second quarter, testing different combinations to try and combat Tonga’s momentum. In attack Abigail Latu-Meafou looked dangerous creating space on the court and driving hard into the goal circle, however, the execution of feeds into the circle to her and teammate Armani Apelu were easy pickings for the Tala defence. Tonga extended their lead to 28 goals by halftime. Tonga were dominant again in the third quarter powering through to a 36-goal lead. Samoa worked hard in the final quarter to claw the margin back, however, it wasn’t enough to halt the Tonga Tala with Tonga winning 79 to 53. 

Fiji came out of the blocks firing against Singapore, five goals up at the first break. Pearls’ wing attack Ana Naque drove hard to the circle edge to time her feeds in to captain Maria Rusivakula and Lydia Seru well. Down the other end of the court, Singapore goal attack Ping Wei Goh did a wealth of work to bring the ball through the centre and attacking thirds. Fiji extended their lead in second quarter to head into halftime nine goals up. Fiji goal shooter Seru held position well to slot through goals while defensively the Pearls applied pressure throughout the court. In the third quarter, Fiji maintained their nine-goal lead with Singapore converting better than they did in the second quarter. Fijian goal keeper Vakaoca Bolakoro was a standout for the Pearls fighting for every feed and rebound in Singapore’s goal circle. A midcourt battle played out during the fourth quarter between Singapore’s Rachel Ling who did everything in her power to intercept the ball and Fiji Pearls’ centre Jimaima Kete. Fiji were too strong in the end winning by 12 goals.

A fast-paced first quarter of netball started proceedings on day four of the PacificAus Sports Netball Series. Kenya and Papua New Guinea (PNG) were locked in a battle for control. Kenya won the first quarter by three goals using the height of goal shooter Beatrice Kabucho to their advantage, the mismatch allowing them to feed into her safely once hitting circle edge. Papua New Guinea continued to push Kenya in the second quarter, goal attack Goloa Ovoa was instrumental in opening up the goal circle, however, Kenya continued to attack, going into halftime 32 to 25. Kenya had a powerful start to the third quarter, holding the Pepes to only two goals for over half of the quarter. Captain Parin Simiyu led the charge in defence turning the ball over, creating ample opportunities for Kenya to extend their lead. Those opportunities were capitalised on and Kenya went into the final quarter 48 to 31. Building on their third term, Kenya stormed home to win 62 to 40. 

DAY THREE

Rounding out day three Zambia and Tonga went head-to-head. The Tonga Tala had a commanding start to the match. Defensively Tala confused the space in Zambia’s attack end and they reaped the rewards. Lose Fainga’anuku and Valu Toutaiolepo’s footwork made it hard for Zambia to get a clean feed into the goal circle. Tonga won the first quarter by 10 goals, setting themselves up well for the second. Zambia were better in the second quarter, winning it and trimming the margin back to only seven goals at halftime. Justina Mwale was strong in the midcourt for Zambia during the third term flying down the court to hit the circle edge. Scores were 35 to 44 at three quarter time with Tonga still comfortably in the lead. In the fourth quarter Tonga continued to dominate, Cathrine Tuivaiti called the play and encouraged her teammates in the attack end, her mobile movement became increasingly hard for Zambia’s defenders to cover and allowed Marie Hansen to shine in goal attack. Remaining undefeated Tonga Tala went on to win the match 47 to 59. 

A fiercely competitive opening quarter from the Malawi Queens and Samoa Tifa Moana resulted in Malawi establishing a four-goal lead. Samoa wing defence Gardenia Treviranus-Asiata was strong throughout the midcourt, shutting down Malawi’s leads and fighting for every loose ball. Malawi shifted into another gear halfway through the quarter with their connections slick across the court. The carefully placed feeds from Takondwa Lwazi in centre enabling the Malawi shooters to excel and push the Queens’ lead out to 10 goals by halftime. Malawi continued to charge in the third quarter extending their lead to 13 goals. Malawi went from strength to strength in the final quarter from end to end they turned the ball around and converted confidently with goal keeper Laureen Ngwira doing a wealth of work to mobilise her teammates. Samoa continue to fight until the final whistle, however, Malawi were too good winning by 18 goals. 

Fiji had a fast start against the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pepes with goal shooter Lydia Seru and goal attack Maria Rusivakula finding plenty of room in the goal circle. At the end of the first quarter the Fiji Pearls led 20 to 10. At halftime the Fiji Pearls extended their lead to 15 goals off the back of some strong defensive pressure across the court. In defence for PNG Lesieli Taviri and Shannaz Apelis did everything they could to work the Pepes back into the game contesting for every ball, however, Fiji remained convincingly ahead. 13 goals up to start the final quarter Fiji powered home to win 49 to 66. 

A spinetingling match up between Kenya and Singapore opened day three. Kenya came out firing in the first quarter leading nine to 14 at the first break. It was a competitive opening with defenders from both teams making their presence known to gain possession. Shu Ning Yew from Singapore and Kenya’s Jackline Auro in particular, were strong in defence. The second quarter was also close with the sides trading goals, Singapore were able to claw back the margin to be only two goals behind at halftime. Kenya’s defensive efforts increased in the third term, forcing Singapore to pass backwards multiple times before finding a route to goal, the increase in pressure led to Kenya breaking out to a five-goal lead, however, Singapore kept up and capitalised off turnovers to be one goal down by the final break. Singapore were able to score off a gain and from that point on it was goal for goal in the final quarter with the lead switching throughout. Desperate for their first win of the tournament both side’s benches got vocal to push their team over the line. In the end it was a breaking call that separated the teams in the final minute with Kenya staying calm to win the match by a goal.

DAY TWO

To close out day two, Samoa and Fiji came out of the gates firing. Both benches urged on their teammates in an intense and physical opening. Both defence ends did everything they could to steal possession with Fiji’s Vakaoca Bolakoro and Sereana Maragi working well together to confuse the space for Samoa’s feeders while Samoa’s Lenora Misa caused havoc reading the play down the other end of the court. Samoa led by two goals at the first break. In a seesawing second quarter that featured both teams leading for periods of play Samoa prevailed to be up by five at halftime. Samoa’s shooting dup of Papi Alaalatoa and Abigail Latu-Meafou were impressive only missing two goals each throughout the match as Samoa extended their lead during the second half to win by nine goals.

The reigning champions Tonga Tala are undefeated after day two of competition defeating Kenya by 27 goals. A highly contested first quarter between Tonga and Kenya resulted in Tonga breaking away to lead at the first break. Kenya goal shooter Beatrice Kabucho was a strong option in the goal circle holding position well. The second quarter was physical, however, Tonga broke out to a 12-goal lead by halftime. Tonga extended their lead to 18-goals in the third term. Cat Tuivati came on for Tonga in the final quarter lifting the Tala into another gear and creating more space in the goal circle as she led Kenya’s defenders astray.

Malawi had a blazing start against the Papua New Guinea Pepes (PNG) to lead 20 to 9 after the first quarter. Malawi’s slick court transition and confidence to hold possession saw them extend their lead to 35 to 22, however, the PNG Pepes stuck close only losing the quarter by two goals. During the third quarter, PNG’s Lesieli Taviri opened the goal circle for her teammates and herself with her strong drives into the circle resulting in her often receiving the ball unopposed. Despite the movement in the circle Malawi continued to build pressure on the scoreboard finishing the quarter ahead by 18 goals thanks to sharp shooting from Jane Chimaliro and Sindi Simtowe. The Queens’ form continued into the final quarter with the side winning by 15 goals. 

A tight tussle between Zambia and Singapore started proceedings on day two of the PacificAus Sports Netball Series. Singapore took a one-goal lead into the first break off the back of some strong defensive pressure. Singapore GK Sindhu Nair went down early in the second and was helped from the court with Reena Manogaran replacing her. Zambia sparked in the second quarter, working the ball down to their goal circle to break away to an 11-goal lead at halftime. Zambia continued to build on their second quarter with a strong third quarter performance pushing the scoreline out once again before finishing strongly to win 61 to 44. Zambia captain Beauty Nakazwe was a standout scoring 35 of the side’s goals. 

DAY ONE

In the last match of the day, a competitive opening quarter had the Fiji Pearls hot on the heels of the Malawi Queens who led by two goals at the first break. Spurred on by a lively crowd the intensity lifted in the second quarter with Malawi reacting best to the pressure and breaking away to a seven-goal lead before half time. Fiji continued to put up a fight in the third quarter, however, Malawi’s connection on the court and their ability to read the play saw them push their lead out further to 12 goals. Fiji continued to grind in the final quarter, however, Malawi were able to handle the heat and closed day one with a seven-goal victory.

Reigning champions Tonga Tala started their week off with a win. In the first quarter the Tonga Tala shot 21 goals to Singapore’s 12. A strong second quarter resulted in Tonga taking a 20-goal lead into half time with Uneeq Palavi strong in the goal circle and Kelea Iongi turning ball over in defence. Tonga extended their lead to 31 goals heading into the final quarter and charged home winning 85 to 40. 
 

Samoa came out firing in their day one clash against Papua New Guinea (PNG) . Led by captain Abigail Latu-Meafou they quickly established a 10-goal lead in the first quarter and extended that lead in the second to 18. The PNG Pepes clawed the margin back in the third to only be 12 goals behind at the final break, however, Samoa proved too strong. The Samoa Tifa Moana winning the match by 18 goals, 66 to 48. 


Starting day one of the PacificAus Sports Netball Series Zambia defeated Kenya in a thriller. The world number 16 side came out firing scoring 16 goals to five in the first quarter. However, Kenya sparked in the second quarter to draw level on 23-all at halftime. It was a tight third term before Zambia broke free to lead by two at the final break and then extend that lead to win by four in the final quarter 49 to 45.