Final preparations are underway at Salad Bowl Netball Club as it sets out to contest the 2026 Nadroga Netball Association Knockout Tournament this Saturday, fielding seven teams across all major grades. Club president Judy Kumar said the volume and intensity of sessions have ramped up in recent weeks as players sharpen combinations and fitness ahead of one of the biggest events on the Nadroga netball calendar.
Salad Bowl’s line-up spans the full development pathway, from the under-12 Jellybeans to experienced open-grade sides. The under-18 Blaze will be led by Adivuki Esili, while the Flames—Salad Bowl’s Open grade entry—will take the court under captain Lucy Tavukilevu. Kumar said naming leaders early helped focus squad work and build on the structured preparation the club began in January.
“The atmosphere at training has been intense and energetic, with players pushing themselves to reach peak performance,” Kumar said, describing the programme that emphasised fitness, skill execution, discipline and tactical combinations. Sessions have been held both early mornings and afternoons, she added, and the commitment shown by players — particularly consistent attendance — has been “outstanding.”
Kumar also paid tribute to the extended support network that underpins the club’s campaign, acknowledging sponsors, coaches, management, parents and volunteers for their financial and moral backing. That support, she said, has enabled a comprehensive lead-up to the tournament that includes specialist coaching and match-simulation drills designed to test players under pressure.
Salad Bowl’s stated aim for the weekend reflects development as much as trophy hunting. “Win or lose, we are ready to showcase our hard work and love for the game,” Kumar said, noting that the club’s motto remains centred on effort and sportsmanship. The presence of seven teams across age groups underscores Salad Bowl’s depth and its role in nurturing local talent at every level.
The Knockout Tournament will also feature competition in two other divisions — men’s and Fruit Salad — as clubs across Nadroga converge for what organisers describe as a highlight of the local season. For Salad Bowl, the event will serve both as a competitive test and a measure of how effectively months of preparation have translated into cohesion on court.