Jugu and Kereibua to face off in NCDVA grand final

The premiership title for the 2024 National Capital District Volleyball Association will be decided tomorrow when reigning champions Eka Kereibua and Jugu meet in the Grand final.

The men’s premier division contest will be staged at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in front of an expected packed crowd as both sides meet for the fourth consecutive finals.

Kereibua have won two finals in the past four deciders with Jugu claiming the 2022 trophy and tomorrow’s game will once again showcase NCDVAs two best sides.

Jugu have recruited and groomed new talents Samuel Mea and Michael Lausi, who have been handy in their quest this season. Pacific Games silver medalist setter John Soi will control Jugu’s engine room with the support of the ever-reliable hitters Ella Gladstone and Eka Solomon.

The pairing electric attackers are solid on the edges and would be eager to produce firebrand spikes to ignite Jugu’s finals run.

“We’re ready to play Kereibua. They’re a quality side and the boys are prepared for a solid game,” Jugu skipper Soi said ahead of the decider.

Defending premiers Kereibua have a youthful side led by Papua New Guinea beach volleyball representative Damien Aisi with the backing from the unstoppable left-hand hitter Tony Gima and PNG Amoa trio Koi Onne, Paul Solomon and setter Edward Aisi Jr.

Two-time Pacific Games athlete David John along with rookie member Kelly Samof are also in the pack to retain the NCDVA title under the leadership of coach Alex Solien.

Meanwhile, the women’s premier division final will also see Jugu and Kereibua battle it out for the shield after both teams emerged to the top.

Jugu have secured the services of experienced campaigner Alice Ito, who has been at the peak of her game this year.

Jugu beat Kereibua in the preliminary finals and the 2022 champs will be looking to avenge that loss on the big stage.

Both sides are evenly balanced in attack and the game is expected to go down to the wire with Kereibua featuring a strong hitting duo of Elisha Bird and Kaysha Oki alongside skipper Michelle Walo.