Nadroga will be the team to beat during the inaugural Western Men’s Netball Championship at the Lautoka multi-purpose courts this Saturday. The side are laced with experienced players like Erewali Tavutu (centre), Sepesa Leweniqila (goal defender), and Kelevi Lalabalavu (goal shooter).

Other teams include Navosa, Ba, Nadi, Royal Phoenix (Lautoka), Malolo, and Tailevu are the teams taking part in one-day tournament.

Tournament co-ordinator Judy Kumar confirmed a total of 27 teams will be competing in three grades- Open, Under-21 and Invitational Mixed.

“All teams are coming prepared and this will be a tough battle with western teams,” he said.

“We have yet to secure a sponsorship but hopefully something will come up before our games. We are so thankful to Navosa for hosting this tournament and also they paid for the courts for the whole day. This was cheaper than hosting it at Lawaqa Park which was our first choice for the venue.”

He urged all Western Men’s Association to come in numbers and support the first ever Western Championship after a lapse of 15 years.

“We are looking at the Western Rally in Ba in March next year, Western Men’s League in June to August and the Western Championship in November in Vatumali, Navosa.”

Kumar added that an invitational mix netball championship would also be part of the event as well.

Edited by Leone

Cabenatabua

waisean@fijisun.com.fj