Saint Ann Primary School’s under-10 girls have made school netball history in Suva, booking their first-ever appearance in the Suva Primary Schools Netball Competitions final after a commanding 10-0 semifinal victory over Marist Convent School. The clean-sheet win on the big stage signalled a breakout performance for a side that had never previously progressed beyond the quarterfinals and semifinals.
Coach Ana Koroi said the result was the product of intense preparation and a clear focus during the week leading into the knockout rounds. “These girls have been training hard all week. Their goal was clear — reach the final and claim victory. Today, they showed why they deserve that chance,” Koroi said, praising both the players’ commitment and their ability to balance schoolwork with sport.
Koroi also highlighted areas for improvement despite the lopsided scoreline, telling her squad they must “tidy up our footwork.” She singled out persistent stepping and obstruction calls as technical faults the team will work to fix before the final. The coach stressed that while the semifinal result was encouraging, polishing these fundamentals will be vital when they face tougher opposition for the championship.
The semifinal was driven by a well-rounded team effort. Centres Fane and Maretha were noted for their engine and link play through the midcourt, while wing attack Chowana provided tempo and supply into the circle. Sharpshooters Viniana (reported among the scorers) converted chances inside the circle, and defenders Litia and Torito helped keep Marist off the scoreboard with disciplined marking and interceptions.
Beyond the court, Koroi acknowledged the added pressure on the young players from talent scouts and selectors, with scouts from Suva reportedly monitoring the team ahead of national championship selections. That attention, Koroi said, has been motivating but also raises the stakes for correcting technical errors before the final.
The under-10s drew extra inspiration from the school’s older cohort: Saint Ann’s under-11 team’s earlier victory in the competition served as a catalyst for the younger girls. “Seeing the U11s win pushed the girls to make sure they also secured their spot in the final,” Koroi said, suggesting a growing culture of competitiveness and success within the school’s netball program.
Saint Ann now turns its full attention to the final, where Koroi plans to sharpen footwork, cut down on obstruction penalties, and maintain the disciplinary standards that produced a shutout in the semifinal. The breakthrough run will be watched with interest by parents, school officials and regional selectors alike as the young side prepares to try to convert historic opportunity into a championship.
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