THE McDonald’s Nadi women’s team have broken new ground in the Subrails Marama Championship, ending their winless streak against Suva with a 32-24 triumph at HFC Bank National Stadium yesterday.
The Nadi side arrived in the capital high on confidence following their 89-12 demolition of Lautoka last week, but it was their fitness and willingness to attack from anywhere that proved decisive.
They took the game to Suva from the opening whistle, stretching the home defence with a fast and expansive style of rugby.
Four first-half tries against Suva’s one gave Nadi a commanding 20-7 lead at halftime.
Suva refused to surrender and came out firing after the break, scoring early to turn the contest into a seesaw battle.
But Nadi held their nerve.
The visitors lifted the tempo in the final quarter, eventually pulling clear to secure a historic victory.
Nadi captain and openside flanker Laisa Seru said the team had been warned against underestimating their opponents.
“Every week the message is always not to underestimate any team,” Seru said.
“Of course the Suva girls have a lot of experience but we backed our fitness today and it paid off for us, I think.”
Seru credited the players for their determination to finish strongly.
“The coach told us just to come out here and give it our all and finish the game on a high,” she said.
“We were psyched up a little bit but we are very grateful to the girls for not giving up and finishing the game strong.”
Despite the historic win, Seru knows Nadi cannot afford to become complacent.
“Lots of positive and a lot of work still to do,” she said.
“We will go back on Monday and look at our weaknesses and get ready for the next game.”
In other Marama Championship fixtures today, Tailevu will face Nadroga at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori at 1pm. Kadavu will host Rewa at the Namalata School ground in Vunisea, also at 1pm, while Macuata takes on Ba at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka at 11am.
At Thompson Park in Navua, Namosi will host Nasinu at 1pm, while Lautoka battles Naitasiri at Churchill Park, at 11am.
