In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the Aotearoa Māori netball team outclassed the Baby Pearls, Fiji’s under-21 national side 29-75 at the FNU Nasinu Gym on Saturday.
This was the opening match of their tour, and the Māori girls left no doubt about their intentions for the competition.
Aotearoa Māori coach, Ngarama Milner-Olsen, expressed immense satisfaction with the performances of her team.
“Yes, this was a great outcome for our girls Aotearoa Māori, and we are also in the rebuilding stage just like the Baby Pearls.”
She said the tour was not only about winning, but about growth, especially after being away from international competition since 2019.
“It’s a great opportunity for all of us to come together and work really well to encompass the indigenous netball that we are all willing to see on the world stage.”
While the Baby Pearls struggled to keep pace with the more experienced Māori side, the match offered valuable learning experience for Fiji’s young squad, as they aim to rebuild and develop their skills for future international engagements.
For both teams, the tour is about building connections, both on and off court.
The Baby Pearls will now regroup as they prepare for the next challenge, hopeful that the lessons from this defeat will serve as a stepping stone for growth and improvement. || Rebuilding and rising for the maori side.
