Organisers hail support for netball tourney
THE Colo-i-Suva rugby team put on a show during the Ram Sami Nasinu Rugby Union club competition at the USP Grounds in Laucala Bay, Suva yesterday.
Spotting new jerseys sponsored by road construction company Flame Tree Developments Pte Ltd for round three of the club games, the side won its first match for the 2023 season and also showed discipline on the field.
The team from the outskirts of Suva beat Senicevugadamu 20-10 to pick up its first win. Their points came from tries to burly number eight Koroi Waqabaca and livewire hooker Sikeli Naitala. Former Naitasiri halfback Jone Navuso, who played at fly half yesterday kicked over two conversions and two penalties. Team coach Maikaeli Rasuaki said this week’s training saw a renewed surge to play from the village youths.
“This is one team that does not have a full side at training. We used to form the team at the grounds every week. But this week, we had a big turnout at training,” Rasuaki said.
“We also noted that we have improved in our discipline. We normally have someone sent to the sin bin every week.
“And then we played in our new jerseys today and capped it off with our first win of the season. We thank Flame Tree company for supporting us and I think they are the lucky charm for our side.”
In the first two rounds, the side has come close to winning, going down 12-13 to Tovota and 17-19 to defending champions Police.
“We know we can win matches and today proved that,” Rasuaki added.
Meanwhile, in other results, Flick Vatuwaqa remains undefeated after winng by default over Uluinakau. Police also kept a clean slate after notching four tries in their 24-10 win over Kalabu 24-10 while FNU beat Tacirua 20-19.
ORGANISERS of the Wrigley’s Extra City Netball tournament said they were encouraged by the support shown towards the event.
Held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva last week, the tournament had sevens open women grade teams and nine mixed teams participating.
In the open grade, Police emerged victorious with team Prophets as runner-up. Kesaia Waqaivolavola was the best player from the final.
In mixed grade, Diamonds was the winner with Unity in second place. Joseva Nawaqa was the best player.
“We are very pleased with the support and response shown towards our tournament,” the organisers said. “The games saw audiences cheering for teams and players throughout the day.
“The tournament served as a platform to expose and develop the skills of netball enthusiasts both upcoming and advanced in healthy competition with each other.
“We saw participation of some very well-established teams and players, some national reps as well along with teams who are just starting their journey.
“This tournament has been very encouraging for young and upcoming players who got to showcase, test, play and learn from the best in our country.”
The organisers said through the games, they hoped to unify communities.
“We are very grateful to our sponsors Wrigley’s Extra who support our vision for healthy living and diversity in communities.”