NASINU U23 men’s team produced a composed performance to upset favourites Nadi Sky 15-13 and claim the U23 men’s title at the CREST Netball Fiji Championship at the Lautoka Multi-Purpose Court yesterday.
The final lived up to its billing as both teams battled intensely across all four quarters, with little separating them on the scoreboard.
The pace was high from the opening whistle as both sides showed determination in attack and defence. Tall defenders were prominent under the post while the midcourt players worked tirelessly to create opportunities and force turnovers.
Neither side was willing to give ground, with every possession fiercely contested as the players maintained their focus throughout the match.
Nasinu’s patience and discipline proved crucial in the closing stages as the team held its nerve to secure the two-goal victory.
Captain Sitiveni Nakurua credited the team’s preparation and faith for their success.
“Thank God for the win, we wouldn’t have done it with him.
“Also thank my team for the hard work and team work, it showed on court our preparation we have been doing in the past month.”
Nakurua said the team’s ability to remain patient and trust one another was the key message throughout the final.
“Thank my team for a well-structured game, being patience from all areas, defenders, mid court right down to shooters and we have trust with each other.”
The victory capped a month of preparation for Nasinu and gave the team a memorable finish to the two-day championship.
Nadi Sky, meanwhile, fought until the final whistle but could not find the opening needed to overturn Nasinu’s lead.
