The Fiji 19 and under netball side was handed a 30-70 defeat by the Aotearoa Māori International team, in their third and final outing with the Kiwis, at the FNU Gymnasium on Tuesday night.
Aotearoa maintained possession of the ball from the first quarter, and successfully obtained the ball from Fiji during turnovers which helped advance the Kiwi prospects further to a 38-14 lead at half-time.
As the match’s second half unfolded, Fiji frantically attempted to maintain possession, however their turnover flaw into the itching hands of their Kiwi opponents is what propelled them to tower over Fiji with the resulting win.
Fiji 19 and under official Anasimeci Rakavosa reflected on their loss to the Māori’s, in an interview yesterday.
“They (Māori’s) just wanted the win more than us, the girls came out strong, but they were not strong enough,” Rakavosa said.
“I’ve always told them the main thing is putting the goals in, if you don’t put the goal in, then the goal won’t count.”
Rakavosa noted the visiting side had fielded excellent shooters as well and added the Māori’s were hungry for the win over Fiji.
After the three-match series, Rakavosa says the experience gained from their outing is a beacon signaling for more exposure to international teams.
“I think it was a good learning experience for the girls, they needed more games,” she said.
“They need to have more games like that, so that they know the kind of competition they’ll be facing when they get to the World Cup.”
