Minnows Macuata North claim first win

Minnows Macuata North Under-10 girls netball side recorded their first win at the 2026 Crest Fiji Primary Schools Netball Tournament at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.

They caused an upset, beating Ba 5–1.

Team trainer Setaita Tinaitamana described the win as a memorable moment the young players would cherish for years.

Tinaitamana said representing rural Macuata North, the team travelled daily from Qelemumu Primary School, which is far from Labasa Town.

She said despite three earlier losses in the Under-10 grade, the players never gave up.

“The girls learned and improved after each game,” she said.

“Beating Ba is a special moment for us. I can see happiness on our girls’ faces.”

Tinaitamana said it was the team’s first win across all four grades — Under-10, Under-12, Under-13, and Under-14.

Despite their inexperience at this level, she said the players had made their district proud.

She said a game plan was introduced, including learning how to apply rules and use coded signals to connect play.

This was used effectively against Ba, who were unable to read their pattern of play.

“When there is clear space to pass, I taught them what code word to use so they are clear on who receives the pass and goes for attack,” she said.

“I am very happy to see the code being implemented by our girls in the win against Ba.”

Tinaitamana said their chances of qualifying for the Under-10 knockout stages remain slim.

The side also caused a surprise earlier when they drew with Yasawa in the Under-14 grade, another strong achievement.

Players in the team were selected from 13 schools in the district.