The Namosi women’s rugby team is set to clash with Suva in the highly anticipated final of the Subrails Marama Cup, taking place today at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. After a challenging path that saw them compete in six round-robin matches and overcome both the quarter-finals and semi-finals with determination, Namosi has established itself as a formidable contender.
Throughout the round-robin stage, Namosi faced tough competition, suffering two losses against Nadi (19-24) and Suva (24-45). Despite these setbacks, head coach Etonia Taivoce remained optimistic, emphasizing the resilience of his squad. “There were many challenges we faced when we first started, but we kept pushing through,” Taivoce remarked after a decisive victory over Nasinu, which secured their place in the final.
Namosi’s team roster features several experienced players, including Josivini Naihamu, Ana Maria Roqica, Ivamere Rokowati, Rusila Nagasau, and Adi Salaseini Railumu, who have been pivotal in their success thus far. The squad’s depth and skill provide hope as they prepare for a rematch against Suva, a team that has proven dominant in their campaign this season, winning all of their round-robin matches.
Suva reached the finals after a thrilling semi-final where they edged out Kadavu with a dramatic last-minute try from Younis Bese. This victory demonstrated Suva’s tenacity under pressure, as the team faced fierce competition throughout the tournament. Coach Saiasi Koroi highlighted the importance of teamwork, stating, “The strength lies in working together; we just need to execute our game plan effectively.”
The upcoming final presents a noteworthy rematch, as Namosi and Suva previously faced off in last year’s Marama Cup final, where Suva narrowly claimed victory with a score of 31-29. This year, both teams are eager to showcase their growth and determination.
As the anticipation builds for the final, the match is emblematic of the growth and competitive spirit of women’s rugby in Fiji. With Namosi aiming to redeem themselves and Suva looking to uphold their title, fans can expect a gripping showdown at 11 AM today, followed by other exciting matches including the Skipper Cup under-20 final between Naitasiri and Nadi, and the much-anticipated senior final featuring Naitasiri against Malolo later in the day. With an electric atmosphere expected, the finals highlight the deep community support for provincial rugby, promising thrilling displays of skill and determination from all teams involved.
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