Kapunarau edge Snax Mermaids to secure POMNA Division 3 Decider

Kapunarau beat the Snax Mermaids with a 17-15 win in the Port Moresby Netball Association (POMNA) Division 3 Semi-final match on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, at the Rita Flynn Courts to qualify for the Grand Final.

The Kapunarau Netball Club was established in 2007 and has been actively participating in the POMNA. However, the club pulled out of the competition in 2011 and made its return to the city's top-flight competition in 2023.

Since taking part in the competition, they have made it to the semi-finals a couple of times but have fallen short of reaching the grand final. This year, however, they defied all odds and marched to the decider, aiming to bag their maiden title.

The first two quarters were bruising and intense, which saw the Snax Mermaids take a slight 9-7 lead over Kapunarau at half-time. The eventual winners (Kapunarau) regrouped in the third and final quarters, stealing the win from the Mermaids with a gutsy 19-17 margin. 

Kapunarau will meet Mystics in the grand final. Mystics defeated Kapunarau in the semi-final last weekend. The Aroma ladies have a score to settle with Mystics in the big dance this weekend. 

Kapunarau coach Ravu Paku Jr heaped praise on his girls, saying: “We've been preparing for this game throughout the week. It was a tough game, but we managed to get the win. 

“I’ve been telling the girls to focus on the game and stay disciplined. Training is the key to winning, so I’m happy for my girls.”

Having an unsettled business against Mystics, coach Paku Jr said they aimed to take revenge on Mystics and win the title as well. Kapunarau is ready to go head-to-head with the red-hot Mystics side.