Pacific Organic Blue Sand Navakacoa and Can Do Generation were the two Northern teams participating at the 29th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s at Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday.

The teams from Taveuni and Labasa came with the aim to help their young people develop their sporting talents rather than being involved in criminal activities.

Navakacoa coach Epeneri Rova said, they wanted to come to the Nawaka tournament to showcase their rugby talents.

“It’s the first time for us to participate in the Nawaka Sevens and we are pleased to be part of this tournament,” he said.

Rova said he had encouraged his young players to work together because it’s not an easy task to play against well known teams.

“They need to do their best and show why they love this sport of sevens rugby.”

The Karalo Maibuca captained- side lost their first game to Westfield Tokatoka Dragons 7-26 before they beat Red Diamond 7-0. They later lost to Trailblazers 7-12 and in their final match they narrowly went down 7-0 to Ratu Filise.

Spiritual development

The Papi Tanoa coach/ captained Can Do Generation side had an interesting line-up.

He said his team are formed by youths from the Christian Mission Fellowship in Labasa.

“It was a very short week of preparation, also this was done to help youths develop their spiritual life with God,” he said.

“This was done to stop youths from going in the wrong direction. This programme has been introduced by the church.

“It brings in youths from different faith and background and also those from broken families. Also these youths have got a story to tell about their life and when they join the team we become close.”

The side scored an upset 7-5 win over Mosi and later beat Ratu Filise 12-0. They lost to First Landing Naisilisili Babaas 14-7 but came back to defeat Uluinakau Babaas 14-5 in the eliminations.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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