The Naitasiri netball team celebrated a significant milestone with their debut at the Battle of the Netters 2025. Held at the National Netball Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva, the event provided the team an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. Participating with six teams—under-15, under-18, three open women’s grades, and one open men’s grade—the association marked its first outing at this competition.
Arieta Naisake, the Secretary of the Naitasiri Netball Association, conveyed their excitement and gratitude for being part of the event. The main goal was to gain exposure and enjoy the sport rather than focusing solely on winning. The team’s dedication shone through as both the under-15 and under-18 teams advanced to the quarter-finals, a commendable achievement for a first-time participant.
Facing challenges like forming the teams and financial constraints, support from sponsors such as NewWorld and Crest was vital. This assistance enabled the team to be adequately equipped, ensuring they performed to their best capabilities. Naisake expressed her appreciation to their sponsors, acknowledging the crucial role they played in the association’s ability to compete.
Elsewhere in the competition, notable results were seen: the Open Women’s category saw Nadi triumph over Labasa with 27-1, and Suva Mystics defeated Nanukuloa 35-03. In the under-18 matches, Lautoka edged past Naitasiri 9-4, and the Suva Hibiscus secured a win against Suva Iris 18-1.
The event highlighted not just the prowess of various teams but also the spirit of netball as a growing sport in Fiji. This sentiment was echoed in past competitions where similar associations highlighted the sport’s role in community building and player development. For Naitasiri, participating in the Battle of the Netters offers a stepping-stone for future competitions, nurturing the next generation of netball players while fostering a sense of community and achievement.