Striders are betting on their new players to step-up as they prepare to defend the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s women’s title.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Striders coach, Tavaita Rowati said with their new bunch of players she is confident that they would help retain the title.

“We have a three-year programme and I’m happy with the young players and how they have adapted to our programme,” she said.

“Most of our girls have reached the national level so this year we focused on recruiting new players and try to build-up a few players from last year.

“We’re not expecting much but I guess the focus now is on our fitness as we try to work on improving our basic skills for the next three weeks before the tournament.

“The new players have blended in well so we’ve got senior players who are really supportive of this culture we’ve adopted for the team.”

She said the senior players have taken the leadership responsibility in the team as they help out the junior players.

Rowati said this is not an easy task for them to defend the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s women’s title with the competitive edge to be provided by the other teams.

“Teams like Marist Seahawks, Wardens and Central Chiefs will give us a good competition.

“This is all about us maintaining our confidence with the senior players as we assist our new recruits to rise to the occasion,” she added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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