The Fiji Bitter Gold Nasinu Netball Association is proud of the performance of the Fijian Under-21 team during the Digicel Punjas International Youth Netball Series.

Association president Mereseini Delai said the Baby Pearls improved on their game skills as they progressed on in the series.

“The Baby Pearls performed extremely well considering the fact that they had the world’s top two seeds as their opponents,” she told SUNsports yesterday.

“The score margin definitely showed that it was not a complete walkover however there is still a lot of areas the team must improve on if they are serious about taking our world ranking into the next bracket.”

Delai said three players from their association were part of the Baby Pearls outfit. They are Elenoa Gukirewa, Julie Tamani and Mili Kotobalavu. Gukirewa played at mid court during the series.

“While the girls’ fitness was definitely in top form, they need to work on their game plan and their combinations as well. There seemed to be an absence of strategy while the basic skills of ball handling and footwork proved to be a hindrance to the flow of their game when on attack.

“They need to work on the turnover balls. There was a lot of individual play as well. There were some moments of flair displayed, to which the Fiji style of netball is known for, nevertheless, we failed to capitalise on most of the opportunities we had.”

Delai said despite all these shortfalls they are fully behind the team.

“We trust the management team in ensuring that the girl’s talents are enhanced and their welfare and interest also remains a priority. The hard yards put in by the players coupled by the efforts and commitment of their parents and their associations have not been in vain. I would like to thank the team and their management for their time and effort and on behalf of the Fiji Gold Nasinu Netball Association we wish them well for Botswana.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: paulini.ratulailai@fijisun.com.fj