Lomaiviti Ovalau Wins Suva Opener
Lomaiviti Ovalau beat Tagimocia Flames 20-17 in the Suva Netball Association opening competition final at the National Netball Centre yesterday. Grasshoppers won third place.
Sunday 16 April 2023 | 09:35
Lomaiviti Ovalau team that won the Suva Netball Association open women final on April 15, 2023. Photo: Ioane Asioli.
Lomaiviti Ovalau beat Tagimocia Flames 20-17 in the Suva Netball Association opening competition final at the National Netball Centre yesterday.
Grasshoppers won third place.
Alumni beat Tikitui 24-14 while Lomaiviti Maloi claimed third spot in the open men’s competition.
“I’m happy with the win; the girls came out strong especially when there was no substitution. The same seven played through the final,” Lomaiviti Ovalau coach Anasimeci Rakauoca said
“This win is a good start for us. We hope to win more games going into the new season.”
Alumni vice-captain Kitiona Waqavonovono attributed their team work as what that assisted them in their win.
The opening season featured three categories: men, women and the development.
Speaking to SUNsport, SNA president Georgina Lasaqa said that they were grateful for the sponsorship from New World IGA.
“We just want the first eight for the men’s and development category. The 16 teams for the women’s category is enough to compete for the top eight.” she said.
The development category only consists of five teams. Lomaiviti Koro won the Development category with Grasshopper as runners up. Cakaudrove Bua Macuata (CBM) has an easy third place win after Ablaze forfeited their match.
“We’ve had to regroup because it’s sort of a development group. There is only two experienced players, the rest are new girls.” said Lomaiviti Koro President Vasiti Vugakoto.
“The focus for the Lomaiviti Koro development side is to execute the basics, use the space available and play in their own channels.”
The competition took two short breaks due to rain. Then teams were instructed to continue in the rain; failure to take the court saw teams losing on default.
Women’s quarterfinal results: Grasshoppers beat Alumni 11-8, Lomaiviti Ovalau defeat CBM 16-5, Wardens beat Lomaiviti Nairai 13-7 and Tagimocia Flames beat Army 10-7.
Men’s category semi-finals results: Alumni beat CBM 17-10, Tikitui beat Lomaiviti Maloi 15-13.
Story By: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj
