Monier Paramana have taken the Port Moresby Netball Grand final by 46 points to 41 over Snax Mermaids, last night at the Rita Flynn complex.
Only five points separated both teams for much of the contest with Paramana, taking the lead in the first quarter, and never letting go.
Raucous support early on in a nail biting encounter between the Snax Mermaids and Monier Paramana in the Port Moresby Netball Association grand final.
Consistency has been the key for the mermaids with a host of internationals, while Paramana showed tenacity.
Kila Iamo and Marie Ottio matched up with Rayleen Andrew and Japheth Tulapi.
By the end of the second quarter, it was a tight 25-22 Paramana ahead, the audience treated to an entertaining second half as well.
Tulapi marked closely by Paramana’s Renagi Ila.
The Mermaids were fortunate with an infringement early in as Rayleen Andrew looked to close the gap, but Ottio would hit back soon after.
The reintroduction of Mermaid captain Nancy Kapi injected much needed attack as Paramana began to pull away.
Goalkeeper Kepu Kapi, fought hard in defense while Paramana began turning on the flair, the clock ticking as the intensity rose towards the final quarter.
There was a surprise shift, Goal shooter Tulapi replaced in attack, in a bid to shore up the mermaid defense, however it was Paramana, paying no heed.
Rayleen Andrew the picture of concentration as Paramana countered.
And despite last minute efforts by the violet women, it was Paramana victorious, in a narrow, 46-41 performance.
