The IBFC Saints Super 4 Netball National Championship has ended with St Aquinas taking out the 2023 championship trophy after an exciting 46-39 finals day match against Orleans.
Orleans went into the final round match undefeated while Aquinas had conceded one loss to Avila 47-42 earlier in the tournament.
St Aquinas led from the beginning and then pulled away to extend their lead in the fourth quarter, after close leads in the first (12-11), second (23-21) and third quarters (33-30).
Team Aquinas was coached by Darryl Feagaimalii, assisted by Joanne and Tafaoga Tavae.
Final results saw Avila taking out second place, Orleans third and Deporres finishing fourth in a tournament that saw the best amongst Samoa’s six club players battling it out on the Court.
SMSC President Visceta Meredith acknowledged the efforts of all four teams and congratulated St Aquinas for winning this year’s tournament.
Now in its third year, the 2023 IBFC Saints Super 4 Netball National Championship was next level with special guest Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick joining the festivities as the tournament Ambassador.
A double International for New Zealand in both netball and rugby sevens, Fitzpatrick provided inspiration to Samoa’s young players and spent time with the teams and coaches throughout the tournament week.
Fitzpatrick selected a “Tournament Team” naming eight players with “outstanding performance throughout the three days.”
- Larafina Stowers
- Tovale Solinuu
- Elizabeth Pauga
- Hetta Kalepo
- Amataga Tuilagi
- Rosabel Tuatagaloa
- Geraldine Taefu
- Anetta Iakopo
SMSC President Mrs Visceta Meredith congratulated the players for their hard work and sportsmanship in their respective teams.
“Keep up the good work, and we look forward to you leading our young netballers towards an even higher level of performance in the future..”
Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick also acknowledged three players for outstanding performance in three key positions:
- Best Shooter: Temukisa Leulua’i Sega
- Best Middle: Rumei Meredith
- Best Defender: Sa Esau
The Player of the Tournament sponsored by former Samoa Netball international and coach, Tilomai Solia, went to Miss Rumei Meredith.
“It was very difficult to decide on a Player of the Tournament given the talent displayed by many athletes during the past three days,” said Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick.
“However, the player we’ve decided on had showcased discipline through both Attack and Defense, carried a lot of load and was very calm under pressure, and we think that’s the most important part” said Mrs Fitzpatrick.
This year’s cimpetition was led by SMSC Vice President, Ms Seraphine Mataia as Tournament Director.
The St Mary’s Sports Club President and Tournament Director acknowledged and thanked the sponsors who had helped to make this year’s event a success.
All matches were streamed live by TV3 and can be watched on the network’s YouTube channel.
