Margaret Elbourne and Charlotte Tabadromu were the stars of the Fiji One women’s hockey team, leading their squad to a 2-1 victory over the Wanderers Goannas at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. Their impressive performance helped secure the win in a match that was part of the Australian Wanderers Tour featuring under-13 and 14 teams.
The Goannas managed to score a single goal through Heidi Rodgers, but the triumph for Fiji was marked by the excellent teamwork and determination displayed by Elbourne and Tabadromu. Team coach Fatima Mario expressed her pride in the team’s resilience, especially considering the injuries that had affected their lineup throughout the tournament.
“We’ve faced a lot of fatigue in the past few days due to the heat here in Fiji. Our girls are working hard to navigate through their injuries and recover as quickly as possible,” Mario commented. She acknowledged the immense support from parents and guardians, who have played a crucial role in helping the team maintain their performance by providing essential meals and recovery drinks.
Mario noted the positive atmosphere within the squad, emphasizing the camaraderie that has developed over their short time together. “The culture has been building up over the last few days. It’s encouraging to see them come together, overcoming mistakes, and uplifting each other—there’s a strong sisterhood forming,” she said.
With their final match against the Goannas scheduled for 1:30 PM today, the team is looking to continue their momentum and finish strong in this competitive tour. The journey taken by these young athletes reflects not only their skill but also their growth as a unified team, promising a bright future for Fijian women’s hockey.