MUANIWENI College is aiming for a strong comeback when they take the field in their first national quarter-finals outing of the Weet-Bix Raluve under-18 division on Saturday, following their narrow 10-15 defeat to Adi Cakobau School (ACS) in the Eastern Zone final.
One of the key players to watch will be Ana Cabenalawa, who was named the best player of the match despite being on the losing side at Nukuvutu ground.
Cabenalawa, 18, put on a stellar performance, scoring a try and leading several key defensive efforts in a tightly contested final.
The match saw ACS score first through Amelia Vacago, with Cabenalawa replying to level the scores at 5-all going into halftime.
Kesaia Delaibau restored the ACS lead early in the second half before Muaniweni hit back again through Salanieta Butono.
Delaibau then sealed the win for ACS with her second try.
“The game today in the zonal finals against the ACS girls was definitely not easy,” Cabenalawa said.
“We are small girls compared to them, but I think we gave them a great game.”
Cabenalawa admitted she didn’t expect to be awarded best player of the match.
“I didn’t think I would get the best player of the match because, you know, we lost. But I am so honoured to have received such a title.”
She credited the team’s hard training sessions, especially their sand-based workouts in Naitasiri, for their competitiveness.
“We knew it was going to be hard, so we trained hard, the girls had a lot of fun, and we gave it our best, but the ACS girls were just too powerful.”
With a focus on defensive pressure and ball movement, Cabenalawa believes Muaniweni is ready to step up at national level.
“I want to thank those who supported me and the team,” she said.
“It’s a bit hard for me because my parents are not here to support me, but I thank them too.”
Meanwhile, the Weet-Bix Ravluve national quarter-finals will be held at Buckhurst Park and Bidesi Park.
Muainaweni College player Nanise Tikomainoumea breaks the Adi Cakobau School defence during their Eastern Zone Weet-Bix Raluve under 18 final at the Queen Victoria School ground in Tailevu. Picture: LITIA RITOVA
