Defending champions of the Weet-Bix Raluve U18 competition, Natabua High School understands that securing another back-to-back victory will be no easy task, particularly as they prepare to meet Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School in the nationals’ semi-finals this Saturday.
In a display of determination, Natabua overcame the odds and emerged victorious against Adi Cakobau School with a scoreline of 12-7 in the hard-fought quarter-final match held just two weeks ago, securing their spot in this week’s semi-finals.
The team’s manager, Rigieta Radrodro, revealed that the girls have been diligently honing their basic skills to prepare for the tougher challenges that lie ahead in the semi-finals.
” For the semifinals, I know it will be tougher, we have been working on the basics. And of course, our preparation has been tougher because we know how rugby has evolved, and we know how it will get tough as we go.”
One of the primary obstacles faced by Natabua this season was the departure of 80 per cent of the players from last year’s championship-winning team, who either graduated or transferred to other schools.
“We just have a few girls from last year; we are the defending champions but most of our key players have left school.
“So, we have like 20 per cent with the players from last year and 80 per cent of our new girls but still they came out and delivered, I know they will make Lautoka proud.”
Natabua High School calls upon their dedicated fans, including students, staff, teachers, and alumni known as the Lonehats, to rally behind the team and provide unwavering support as they strive for victory in the upcoming match.
In the Raluve semi finals, Jasper Williams High School will meet Muaniweni College at 1.30pm at Buckhurst Park while Natabua will face Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School at 2.20pm at the HFC Bank Stadium.
In the Vodafone Super Deans U18 semi finals at the HFC Bank Stadium, Natabua High School will take on Nasinu Secondary School at 3.30pm and Suva Grammar School will take on Ratu Kadavulevu School at 5pm.
The Deans and Raluve semi- finals will be played at the HFC Bank Stadium, Buckhurst Park, and Bidesi ground this Saturday.