Lomaiviti dedicate win to late rugby rep

OTILLY RABUKU

Sunday, March 30, 2008

LOMAIVITI made a clean sweep taking out top honours in Suva
netball season opening winning the men's and women's titles at the Vodafone
Arena last night.

Tears rolled down the eyes of the Lomaiviti club members and supporters as
they dedicated the win to the late club rep John Bowman Vugakoto.

"This win is for my dear brother, John never wanted losing," said
women's captain and Suva netball president Vasiti Vocea.

"We dedicated this year to him and this win in both the women's and
men's was through great team spirit in this club," the former Fiji netball
captain said.

In a nail-biting final, the Lomaiviti women edged CBM 23-22 in extra time
after being held 19-all at fulltime.

The champion side featured the Vugakoto sisters, Vasiti, Timaima and
Georgina at the attacking zone with former Fiji under-21 rep and beach
volleyball ace Finau Waqa covering the centre court.

Former national aggressive defender Anasimeci Ratumaisala kept CMB'S sharp
shooters Paulini Tora and Maria Bereso on the toes inside the semi-circle.

Defending champions CBM was yesterday dethroned from the top spot since
scooping the Galuinadi Trophy in 1999.

Coached by former national rep Asenaca Rokoua, CBM was tipped as favourites
having the services of Bulou Rabuka, Unaisi Rokoua, Ruby Sorovaki and Filo
Korovulavula.

Lomaiviti came through the semi-final defeating Sunset Rovers 12-1 while CBM
thrashed Lami Netters 15-2.

Lomaiviti men's edged defending champs Sunset Rovers 18-16 in the final.

Suva is
geared for another thriving season on netball and Vocea said the focus will be
on development of the younger players.