Wai Netball set to thrill: Kumar
Tough competition is expected in the knockout semifinals of the newly formed Wai Netball Association to be held at Tau Primary School, in Nadroga this Saturday.
That was the view of Association president Judy Kumar who said, they have 11 clubs but the numbers are likely to increase.
“This is because in the tikina of Malomalo, there are more than 10 villages,” Kumar said.
“We have written to all the turaga- ni-koro for their team’s participation. You won’t believe the talents we have here as players do have the height and the agility. “At the moment the association has eight open teams and three under-18 teams. We need all the support we can get in our mission to lift the game of netball in our district.”
In Saturday’s clash sees Lomawai take on Salad Bowl while Tau face Delaniyavu (Navisabasaba).
Salad Bowl have the services of sisters Raijeli Navabale and Mereia Narumasa. Also part of the team are Sereana Cema, Senimilia Driu, and Alumita Tiko. The Maca Volavola- coached Lomawai side have Sainimere Rokotale, Salote Tinaiviabau, Diana Dokai, and Sarafini Soqeta. In the other matches and Makelesi Toki.
Miliana Toki, will lead the charge for Tau while Delaniyavu has Siteri Talei, and Taraivini Matamalumu.
Kumar said for this year’s Interdistrict Championship in Lautoka, they will form a development team in the U18 grade compared to the U21 in which they used to field in previous years.
“Our under-18 grade competition was won by Nalolo Babes while Salad Bowl Breakers came second and followed by Necko Babies.”
The Open grade in the women’s competition sees teams like Lomawai, Tau, Delaniyavu, Lomawai, Korokula, Navutu, Malomalo, and Savusavu Drifters competing.
In the mix grade: Apimeleki Ratu, Josateki Fatouli and Mesake Varo helped Salad Bowl beat Saints 18-17 in the final. In the other matches, Saints beat Mahima13-8 while Salad Bowl pipped Jisoko 11- 9. Meanwhile, the Association also held their annual general meeting and elected are the following office bearers- President: Judy Kumar, Snr Vice-President: Maca Volavola, Vice-President: Elena Momo, Secretary: Samisoni Rokovunisei, Treasurer: Taru Tuivunilagi. The executive sub-committee are umpires coordinator: Meuni Nabola/Siteri Talei, Fundraising committee: Raijieli as chairperson, Games committee: Mesake Varo.
SATURDAY’S FIXTURES
Open grade- 10am C1 Delaniyavu v Navutu, C2 Salad Bowl v Drifters, 10.40am C1 Lomawai v Malomalo Youngstars, C2 Tau v Korokula; U18- 11.10am C1 Nabola Trophy Challenge Double Header; Nalolo Babes v Necko Babies; C2 Salad Bowl Heartbreakers v Malomalo Young Stars; 11.50am C1 Kese v Lewa Hewa (U18), C2 Lomawai v Korokula (Men); 12.30pm Open trials for U18 players (bring original birth certificate). Teams are to be on time and court fees is $10 per team..