NAMOSI gave their supporters plenty to celebrate on Fiji Day, producing a strong attacking display to beat Naitasiri 54-12 in Round 11 of the Subrails Marama Championship at Uprising ground yesterday.
The victory was a welcome response from a Namosi side determined to put its recent setbacks behind it, with centre Esita Batiniqila pleased to see the players deliver on their hard work.
Namosi took control early, building a 30-7 halftime lead before maintaining their momentum in the second half to secure a convincing 42-point victory.
The result was important for Namosi, who were fourth on the points table with 37 points before the match. With the competition heading towards the knockout stages, the team knows there is little room for mistakes as it pushes to remain among the contenders.
“We have lost a couple of games in the previous rounds and today we wanted to make a comeback,” Batiniqila said.
The challenge for Namosi this season has been made harder by the departure of several experienced players to other clubs, forcing others to take on greater responsibility.
Despite the changes, Batiniqila said the players had remained united and continued to work together, with younger members of the squad also given the opportunity to prove themselves.
“We don’t have many experienced girls with us right now. We have lost some of the girls to other clubs, but we’re thankful that the girls managed to keep their spirits up and show the game today the Nambukunbuke way,” she said.
While the emphatic win will boost confidence, Batiniqila wants the players to maintain the same commitment in their remaining matches.
Discipline and attitude remain a major focus for the coaching staff as Namosi prepares for the tougher challenges ahead.
“The only thing the coaches have been stressing to the girls is maintaining their discipline on and off the ground as well as keeping their attitude in check,” she said.
With several rounds remaining before the knockout stages, Namosi will need to build on yesterday’s performance and deliver consistently if it hopes to make a strong push towards the title.
Batiniqila also urged supporters to continue backing the team as the competition enters its decisive stage.
“We’ve got a couple of games left until the quarter-finals and semi-finals in the next few weeks. Come on down and support your team,” she said.
