In 1999, Kadavu proved that experience, unity and determination could overcome the youth and speed of their opponents when its netball team successfully defended the Island Zone Netball title for a second consecutive year.
With support from Kadavu Shipping Ltd, the Roko Tui Kadavu and the Kadavu Provincial Office, the team travelled to Suva under coach Wainikini Silikomoala, confident of another victory.
According to a The Fiji Times report published on September 5, 1999, the squad consisted mainly of working mothers, with only two school students. Their biggest challenge was facing teams packed with younger, more mobile players.
Captain and policewoman Ruci Nasemira knew the opening match would set the tone.
“Our first match was very important to us, especially against first-timers Kia. We took the game very seriously,” she said.
Kadavu made its intentions clear, defeating Kia 44-6 before comfortably accounting for Beqa 37-12.
The toughest pool match came against Gau, coached by former national representative Arieta Soro. Gau’s young side pushed the defending champions all the way, but Kadavu’s experience prevailed in a 24-21 victory.
After topping the pool, Kadavu defeated Vatulele in the semi-final to earn another showdown with Gau, who had upset Koro.
Coach Silikomoala urged her players to remain disciplined.
“I told them (players) to stick to the game plan and try to communicate with each other as much as possible,” she said.
“Unity amongst the team had been our key to success last year in the tournament and I also believed that this was the key to our success this year.”
The final lived up to its billing.
Kadavu and Gau were locked at 9-all after the opening quarter. Gau then moved ahead 26-23 after three quarters, leaving Kadavu with everything to do.
The defending champions fought back in the final quarter, tightening their defence and finding space through goal attack Laisa Tamani and goal shooter Vika Matiari.
Kadavu moved 31-28 ahead, only for Gau to rally and level the scores at full time.
With the title still undecided, the teams entered two five-minute periods of extra time.
Kadavu rose to the occasion.
Its defence held firm while the attack found another gear, allowing the defending champions to pull away and secure a 42-31 victory.
Nasemira said belief and togetherness had carried the team through.
“We were confident of a win and we knew that we would win it because such was the faith amongst the team,” she said.
“The togetherness of the players was the outright winner for us and I must congratulate the girls for their fine effort.”
Kadavu finished the tournament on a high, with goal defence Adi Viniana named Best Player of the Tournament. Bulou Seva and Litiya Senivauvula were selected for the Under-21 national trials.
Kadavu B also reached the final but went down 34-24 to Koro.
