Pool A

Pool A produced high-intensity action, with Nadi, led by Gerard Mudliar, emerging as early favourites after topping Pool A with a dominant performance. Nadi blistered their opponents during pool play and now look well positioned to progress to the finals following a strong opening day.

Close behind in Pool A are Lautoka Seniors, whose tournament began on a mixed note. They were forced to forfeit their match against Nadi after failing to field the required number of players. However, the side was significantly strengthened later in the day with the arrival of their senior stars, led by Ernest Coffin, Lesco Veidreyaki, Hamlet Wedlock, and the Smith brothers, Esoroma and Norman. With their full lineup in place, Lautoka Seniors bounced back convincingly, recording wins over Lautoka Under-21 and Nausori.

Nausori endured a disappointing tournament, failing to appear for any of their scheduled matches. As a result, Lautoka Under-21 claimed a consolation victory by default against Nausori, a result that secured their place in the quarter-finals.

Pool B

Pool B proved to be tightly contested, with each team recording a win, a draw, and a loss. The Navua–Suva combination, led by Ethan Wise, lived up to their fierce rivalry with Lautoka by finishing on top of the pool. They secured a win over Ba, suffered a loss to Lautoka Maroons, and played out a draw against Levuka.

Levuka, fielding a youthful side made up largely of students from Levuka Public School, St John’s College, and Delana Methodist, sit second in the group after a strong showing. Ba, regarded as the tournament’s dark horses, are placed third but remain capable of causing upsets in the knockout stages.

Lautoka Maroons finished at the bottom of Pool B, edged out on goal difference following a scoreless draw, with Navua–Suva, Levuka, and Ba all finishing ahead on points and goals.

With the pool stages now complete, the stage is set for an exciting knockout phase as teams battle for a place in the finals.

Strong Start in the Women’s Division

Action in the women’s division on Day One saw Levuka emerge at the top of the standings after an impressive opening round. Led by Katarina Vueti and bolstered by Fiji national representatives Cathy Fabiano and Vika Sowani, Levuka proved to be a formidable force. The trio formed a devastating combination as Levuka recorded one win and two draws, placing them in a strong position and, based on current form, on course for a potential final against Suva.

However, the group remains wide open, with Suva still firmly in contention. Suva have two games in hand and sit second on the ladder after one win and one draw. The side is led by Pase Tikoitoga. Suva have been the dominant force in women’s hockey for more than a decade, and their experience and depth continue to make them strong title contenders.

Hosts Lautoka endured a challenging first day, managing one draw and two losses. Despite the results, the side, led by star Fiji player, Divyankar Kumar and supported by the Underwood sisters, Bale and young Vendreyaki, remains capable of springing surprises as the tournament moves into Day Two.