Suva Netball finals set to ignite a tense 12-week season as Lomaiviti Maloi Green targets double glory
The Suva Netball Association’s top-tier showdowns are set for tomorrow as the best of the Major and Super grades clash in a tightly contested finale at the National Netball Centre in Suva. In the Super Grade, Lomaiviti Maloi Green meet Grasshoppers Gold for the crown, while in the Major (men’s) grade, TIKI Tui go up against Lomaiviti Maloi Green on Court 2 at 2.45pm. The Super Grade final is scheduled for Court 2 at 4.40pm, rounding off a day that will cap 12 weeks of fiercely competitive netball across the city.
Both finals promise a thrilling contest, with Volahiga noting that the two Super Grade finalists have shown consistent form throughout the season and that the Grasshoppers Gold team, while the underdogs, has been remarkably steady. Grasshoppers Gold captain Elenoa Gukirewa—who has experience playing in New Zealand and is a versatile presence on the court—will lead her side in a bid to upset the favourites. Lomaiviti Maloi Green, meanwhile, make a return to the finals after previous appearances, carrying a roster of seasoned players who have represented Fiji at events such as the Pacific Mini Games.
In the men’s Major final, TIKI Tui are paired with Lomaiviti Maloi Green, a matchup that observers say could hinge on depth and pace. Lomaiviti’s men’s squad is part of a broader Lomaiviti presence across several grades, reflecting the club’s depth and experience. The team has been praised for their veteran core, while TIKI Tui is highlighted for bringing a youthful, energetic lineup to the court. The occasion also features the club’s mixed-team involvement, with a separate final appearance in the Mixed grade against Tagimoucia Phoenix.
An expanded view of the season shows the breadth and scale of Suva Netball this year. Lomaiviti has fielded teams across multiple grades, contributing to a season that has included a record number of games and participants. Across nine grades this year, 89 teams competed, with a total of around 479 matches played over the 12-week stretch. The season has also benefited from longstanding support from sponsors such as New World IGA, underscoring the growth and development of netball in Suva.
The finals mark the culmination of a broad effort by the clubs, players, coaches, and administrators, with 17 Lomaiviti teams taking part and 11 reaching the semi-finals, illustrating the club’s depth and reach in Suva’s netball ecosystem. Players with recent Fiji representation, including those from TIKI and Lomaiviti, add an extra layer of national pride to the day’s proceedings.
As Suva’s netball community prepares for a day of high-stakes finals, fans can look forward to skilled play, strategic matchups, and a celebration of the sport’s development from grassroots to elite levels. The event stands as a positive testament to the growth of netball in Suva and the potential for players to showcase their talents on a larger stage.
Summary: The final day of Suva Netball features high-stakes clashes in the Major and Super grades, with TIKI Tui facing Lomaiviti Maloi Green in the Major final and Lomaiviti Maloi Green taking on Grasshoppers Gold in the Super final. The day caps a 12-week season that saw 89 teams compete in 479 matches across nine grades, highlighting the depth and development of netball in Suva. The finals also reflect Lomaiviti’s strong club culture and the sport’s growing support and reach in the community.
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