Nasinu Hopeful In finishing Well
The Nasinu women hope to finish on top of their pool in the Royal Tea Fiji Rugby Ranadi Cup competition. They are in the central pool with Northland, Ovalau and Northern Bulls.
They are on track following their convincing win against Northland 42-0 in the first round of competition at the St Marcelline Primary School in Vatuwaqa last Saturday.
Team manager Tomasi Katonivualiku said despite losing senior players to other unions, their secondary school girls stepped up to the job.
“We were fortunate to have the services of secondary school students from Lelean Memorial School, Ballantine Memorial School, Ratu Sukuna Memorial School and a few from Dudley High School,” Katonivualiku said.
“It was a big task for us in terms of developing them, teaching them to play rugby and this was what we expected from all the hard yards and the training the last two months.
Katonivualiku added the interest among women to play rugby has increased in the past four years.
“We have witnessed the big difference in women’s participation,” he said.
“The last four years that I have been with Nasinu the maximum number of registered players was 29. This year we have 54. Interest among girls is pretty high. “Up till now they are still coming.”
The team was divided into two training groups during their two months of pre-season. Those living around Nausori and Nakasi trained at LMS while those in the Suva and Lami areas trained at Albert Park.
“Our age group is from 15-25, 60 per cent are secondary school students with only a few older players leading the way in terms of training.
“We have a target and that is come out on top in our Ranadi pool to play in the final.
“With all the enthusiasm among the girls I think we can achieve that goal.” Katonivualiku added.