The Fiji Pearls picked up their first win in the PacAus Netball Series, defeating the Papua New Guinea Pepes 67-46 at the USC Stadium, Sunshine Coast last night.
However, it was not an easy win, with the Fiji netters made to work hard by a determined PNG Pepes who won the first quarter, before Fiji levelled the scores in the second quarter then pulled away in the second half of the game.
Scores were close by the end of the first quarter, 16-13 to the PNG Pepes, then locked at 29-all at the end of the first half, before Fiji stepped up their defense in the third quarter, winning significant number of turnovers to bag 18 to the Pepes 8 for a 47-37 scoreline.
The win, their first from four games, ensures the Fiji netters maintain their place ahead of PNG in the standings and most likely avoid the wooden spoon with a game to go, as the Tongans underlined their dominance at the helm after securing their fourth win from four games last night. Fiji lost their previous three games – suffered a 55-74 defeat by Tonga, 56-59 by Samoa and 34-58 to the Australian Pathway.
In the final round robin games today, the PNG Pepes take on Australian Pathway at 5pm, the Fiji Pearls return to the pitch against USC at 7pm before the main top-of-the table match of the night between Tonga and Samoa, starting at 9pm. (All times are in Fiji Time).
The competition which started on Sunday 16 October culminates with the grand finale tomorrow between the top two teams in the standings. The timing of the final is still to be finalised.
Photo: File
