The Portsmouth Kelland Brothers rugby team from Narere is determined to defend their title as they head into the quarter-finals of the Ram Sami Nasinu Rugby club competition, set to take place this weekend against Flick Hygiene Vatuwaqa. Head coach Avili Duwaqatabu expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, stating they are ready to deliver a strong performance against their seasoned opponents.
Duwaqatabu highlighted the challenges faced this season, citing the departure of several players for job opportunities after their victory last year. To bolster the squad, the team has recruited promising young players from the secondary schools’ deans’ competition as well as some experienced senior players from last year. “We are focused on building a robust team capable of overcoming challenges,” he noted.
With Flick Hygiene Vatuwaqa holding the Tui Suva Trophy, Duwaqatabu remains aware of their capabilities and has no intention of underestimating them. Reflecting on last year’s encounter, he mentioned, “We beat them in the quarter-finals last year, but we expect them to come out strong this time.”
The team’s primary goal this season is to reclaim the cup for a consecutive year, and they are committed to translating their training into success on the field. “The boys have managed to navigate through 10 rounds of competition without any sponsors, showcasing their determination and teamwork,” added Duwaqatabu, confirming that the match is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 PM at Assemblies of God High School in Suva on Saturday.
This match not only represents a pivotal moment for the team but also echoes their tenacity and spirit, as they aim to build upon their previous achievements while nurturing the next generation of rugby talent. The community’s support and enthusiasm for the team’s efforts could serve as a motivating factor as they look to advance in the competition.
Leave a comment