HOLY Cross College under-14 netball team from Taveuni made history in the Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship by defeating Jasper Williams High School 11-9 in a thrilling final showdown at the National Netball Centre in Laucala yesterday.
This victory marked their first appearance at the nationals, where they brought teams in various age categories including U14, U15, open girls and boys.
The game was intense, with both teams giving their all on the court. When the scores remained tied at nine-all at the end of the fourth quarter, the match entered extra time.
Holy Cross managed to pull ahead, scoring two crucial points in a span of five minutes.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations as fans and supporters flooded the court.
Team manager Silovate Vialaiwai expressed her pride in the girls’ hard work and dedication leading up to the championship.
“This win was really emotional for the girls, we have worked really hard for the past months, and to get the win is just a big achievement for the girls,” said Vialaiwai
“First time playing in the nationals, we knew the schools from Vitilevu would be tough, so we worked hard during training to get this win, and we are so grateful.”
The victory was a culmination of months of training and effort, and Vialaiwai dedicated the win to the players’ families and supporters.
She acknowledged the supporters who traveled from Taveuni to cheer on the team, highlighting the importance of their encouragement and motivation throughout the tournament.
Despite the competitive nature of the championship final, Vialaiwai also praised the Jasper Williams team for their sportsmanship and for delivering a match worthy of a title showdown.
“We hope to come back next year, better and stronger and like to thank everyone for their support.”