Sparrows clinch 7th straight PoMNA title

The Credit Corporation Sparrows claimed their seventh consecutive title in the Port Moresby Netball Association (PoMNA) after defeating Telstars with a 48-34 victory in the Premier Division Grand Final on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at Rita Flynn Courts.

Sparrows and Telstars are two of the foundational clubs in the PoMNA, with both teams winning over 20 titles and having been heavyweights in the oldest and thriving capital city competition. 

Given their rivalry and storied history, both sides delivered a fast-paced, intense, and entertaining first quarter, locking the score at 9-9. After the breather, Sparrows dominated the second quarter, leading 29-15 at halftime. 

The defending premiers maintained their momentum in the third quarter, leading 38-22 and putting the match beyond reach in the final quarter. They won comprehensively and secured their seventh straight title.

Sparrows coach Julienne Leka-Maliaki said they started slowly in the first quarter and regrouped to dominate the three quarters with a commanding win, crediting the senior players for holding down the fort.  

“I gave the girls specific instructions to lead from the start, and it was also a specific instruction from our high-performance coach,” Leka explained. 

“I think the win was attributed to our very experienced players in Nerrie Adula, Jackie Lahari, and Elina Ripason. 

“I gave specific instructions on defence, attack, and shooting. I think our shooting averages more points, which produced the result we have seen today.

“We drew in the first quarter, but when I made the adjustment in the second quarter, we controlled the third and fourth quarters well.” 

Leka added that the girls had worked hard throughout the year to defend their title, with the team focusing on fitness for the last five months and concentrating on execution for two months. 

Coach Leka said Clera Scott, Leighvali Albert, and Lesieli Taviri, who are in the PNG Pepes squad, were limited to 30 minutes only due to the upcoming international fixture. 

“You would’ve noticed that our Pepes did not take the full court because they are traveling next week. They were instructed to play for only 30 minutes for the whole game. It was a strategy we used,” Leka said.  

“Our young girls have really stepped up as well. Two of our U-21 players, Iga Taviri and Evangeline Gima, played earlier in their division and played again in the premier division. It was a mix of experience and youth.” 

Additionally, the CC Sparrows dominated the other divisions, winning the U-21, U-17, and U-15 titles. They also finished runners-up in the U-13 and Divisions 1 and 2, capping off the 2026 season on a high note. 

Established in 1989, the CC Sparrows have won 22 premiership titles in the Port Moresby Netball Association and continue to be a force in the women’s city competition, becoming the undisputed “Queens” of the Rita Flynn Courts.