THERE were more than just the bragging rights at stake in the Digicel Punjas Netball Series showdown yesterday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Capital Force had lost twice to undefeated Western Heats in the series and was determined to pull the big one through.
The side did and that too with a style.
The Force outwitted Heats 49-43 in a closely contested affair to avenge their earlier losses and win the inaugural series.
Force which looked like a shadow national side had the services of former national skipper Matila Waqanidrola, Filo Korovulavula, Afa Rusivakula, Nina Cirikisuva, Vilisi Tavui, Esther Kim, Taufa Taga and Asilika Sevutia while Heats had national training squad members such as Sereana Maragi, Alisi Naqiri and Arieta Luvu.
The opening quarter was a thriller which ended in 15-all draw.
The Force emerged a better side in the second quarter and raced to a slender 25-22 lead at the break.
The Heats staged a grand comeback in the third quarter but lost the plot as the Waqanidrola-led Force defence proved too strong for the young shooters of the Lautoka-based club.
Suva’s Force maintained the lead at 36-33 before sealing the 49-43 win in the final quarter.
An elated Force coach Alivina Waqa hailed the players for the grand performance in the final.
She said they executed their game plan well.
“The plan was to play from the opening whistle until the end and the girls followed that well,” Waqa, who is the assistant national coach said.
“It was a good game and I thank the team officials and Suva netball executives for their support.”
Heats coach Joji Lagi was gracious in defeat and said the better side won.
“We had the fitness and skills but they played well and won,” Lagi said.
“We have gained valuable experience playing in this series and we look forward to next year.”
In the 3rd/4th place playoff, Satellite Divas defeated Stallion Starlets 52-43 while Jisoko Plateaus overcame Central Swifts 49-30 to finish on fifth spot.
