Holy Cross College from Taveuni clinched the Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship under-14 title with an 11-9 victory over Jasper Williams High School in a dramatic final this afternoon. The match went to extra time after finishing regulation tied at nine-all, with Holy Cross pulling ahead by scoring two decisive points in five minutes of extra time. The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations as fans and supporters flooded the court.
Team manager Silovate Vialaiwai spoke of how much the win means to the players, noting the hard work and dedication that carried them this far. “Today is great for the players; it means everything to them, because they are the babies of our school, Holy Cross College from Taveuni, the garden island of Fiji,” she said. She also thanked the players’ families and supporters, many of whom had traveled from Taveuni to cheer the team on, and praised Jasper Williams for delivering a final worthy of a championship.
The victory adds another bright chapter to Holy Cross College’s netball program on the garden island, underscoring the strength of youth talent emerging from Fiji’s outer regions. The intense clash also highlighted the competitive depth across the division, with both schools showcasing skill and perseverance that set the foundation for a promising season ahead.
Summary: Holy Cross College defeats Jasper Williams 11-9 in an extra-time thriller to win the under-14 Crest Fiji Secondary Schools Netball Championship, marking a proud moment for Taveuni and a testament to the hard work of the Holy Cross family.
Commentary: This result signals growing depth in Fiji’s secondary schools netball, particularly from smaller or less urban centers. Strong support from families and communities, as seen with the travel to Taveuni, bodes well for the sport’s development at the grassroots level. A positive takeaway is the demonstrated resilience of young players, which could energize youth programs and inspire upcoming cohorts. If the sport continues to invest in coaching and facilities across islands, we could see more regional champions emerge in future seasons.
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