Naitasiri wants top four finish

NAITASIRI W is targeting a top-four finish in the ANZ Marama Championship this season.

Last year, the side battled its way through the secondtier Royal Tea Ranadi Cup to reach the final and seal its place in the Marama Championship.

The side is aware that this is a different level of competition altogether, but they are adamant about proving that they belong amongst the best.

“Our target this year is as clear as water, we want to reach the semi-final and be in the top four,” captain Miliana Duikoro expressed.

“Last year we had to battle for a place at the top, we aimed to reach the final and we did that. We have been training since December, so the girls are serious about finishing on top.”

Duikoro carries the responsibility of leading the team especially with new players making up the majority of the squad.

“This year is different because we have a lot of girls that are playing rugby for the first time.

“It hasn’t been easy because we are trying to get them up to speed with the laws of the game.

“At the beginning of this year, our officials went to all the villages in Naitasiri, encouraging other women to join the team so most of the new players are from the respective villages.

“Regardless of the fact that they’re new, they are learning fast, and we can see that they’re passionate about representing their Vanua.”

Naitasiri battles Yasawa in its opening match on Saturday, 9am, at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

❏ Fixtures: ANZ Marama competition: Nasinu U20 vs Nadroga U20 at 9am, Nasinu W senior v Nadroga senior at 11 am at Burkhust Park, Yasawa senior v Naitasiri senior, Nadi senior v Lautoka senior, Yasawa U20 v Naitasiri U20, Nadi U20 v Lautoka U20 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, Namosi U20 v Tailevu U20, Namosi senior v Tailevu senior at TBC, Suva U20 v Navosa U20, Suva senior v Navosa senior at Bidesi Park in Suva.

Our target this year is as clear as water, we want to reach the semi-final and be in the top four – Miliana Duikoro