Sparrows edge Veupunama in extra time thriller to clinch 4th straight POM Netball Association title

The Credit Corporation Sparrows have proven their championship pedigree once again following an extra-time nail-biting 57-54 victory over the determined Veupunama side in the Port Moresby Netball Association (POMNA) Premier Grade Grand Final on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at the Rita Flynn Outdoor Courts. 

This was a sweet revenge for the Sparrows, who lost to Veupunama in the grand final qualifier before last weekend, utilized their second chance by beating the Enviro Telstars in the preliminary final last weekend, and marched to the decider to not only shatter Veupunama but win their fourth consecutive championship.

Both teams displayed a fast-paced and skillful play right from the get-go until the final quarter. A very intense and free-flowing opening quarter saw the two teams equalize the points at 10-all, setting the tone for a physical and entertaining encounter in the following three quarters.

The Sparrows let their guard down in the second and third quarters as Veupunama tightened their grip to lead 26-20 at half-time, and extended their lead to 35-29 at the end of the third quarter, sitting on the verge of creating history. 

However, the reigning premiers (Sparrows) used their experience and made a comeback in the final quarter, leveling the score at 54-54 and pushing the match to extra time. The battle-hardened birdies were able to shut down Veupunama in the extra time to put the game beyond doubt in a grandstand finish.

CC Sparrows’ coach Julienne Leka mentioned that even though her girls were trailing in the second and third quarters, she knew they would use their big-time finals’ experience to steal the win from the courageous Veupunama outfit.

“The last quarter was my winning strategy. I had to put all my experienced players out in the final quarter because at the end of the day, experience counts. It was an element of trust today, and I told the girls that they had to believe in themselves, so they dug deep to win,” she said.

“It all came down to leadership. Veupunama did not have any experienced leaders on the court, so we capitalized on that. When we drew in the last quarter, I told them (Sparrows) that it was a mind game. We used the power of the mind to get the win.” 

Captain Nerritha Adula and goal-keeper Courtney Abel were phenomenal on the court, backed by the eventual MVP and Best Shooter awardee, young Clera Scott. Skipper Nerritha barked orders and led the team upfront, while Courtney was the last line of defence, playing a pivotal role and defending Veupunama from scoring goals.

Since its inception in 1989, the CC Sparrows have claimed 20 titles. They are one of the most successful clubs in the POMNA. With the 2025 POMNA season done and dusted, the defending champions look forward to pulling off a five-peat next season.

Meanwhile, divisions 1-10 will host their finals this weekend. The winners of each division will get promoted to the next division, while the losers will be relegated to the lower divisions.