It has been a learning experience for the Nadi Blazers at the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s yesterday.

The Blazers lost both their first games to Striders (24-10) and Marist Seahawks (15-12).

“It is a good experience for the team and we have enjoyed it. We weren’t happy with a few decisions but nonetheless the girls are enjoying their stay,” Cleary said.

“We love coming to Suva and we always love playing in the Marist tournament because that is when all the national reps are out.

“When we have those reps coming back into their clubs, it just automatically lifts the standard of the clubs and the competition itself.

“Our team does not have much Fijiana reps but it gives our girls an opportunity to test themselves against the best.

“So for us, it is a learning experience as well as an enjoyable one because we get to come out of Nadi and come out of the burning sun to the Suva weather.

“The goal for this year was to make sure we are at least in one of the competitions whether it is the Nawaka 7s or Marist 7s.

“We missed out in the Coral Coast 7s losing to Fijiana in the semifinals but unfortunately for this tournament we are out.

“We lost to the two best teams in the country that is not a bad thing, this is our fourth year in the Marist 7s and we are learning and growing.”

Cleary has urged young females to take up rugby as a sport as it builds them up and disciplines them.

“I want to encourage the young girls to play rugby. Rugby may look like a rough sport but it really is a good sport for young girls to get into because it helps a lot of girls to discipline themselves and control their emotions even more,” he said.

Day One results:  Striders 24-10 Nadi Blazers, Central Chief Development 5-28 Marist Seahawks 2, Marist Seahawks 1 12-5 Central Chiefs, Wardens 21-17 Mystic Knights, Marist Seahwaks 1 15-12 Wardens, Central Cheifs 22-0 Mystic Knights, Marist Seahawks 2 15-12 Nadi Blazers, Central Chief Development 0-24 Striders, Nadi Blazers 40-7 Central Chiefs Development, Striders 12-5 Marist Seahawks 2, Mystic Knights 24-5 Marist Seahawks 1, Wardens 0-0 Central Chiefs.

Edited by Osea Bola

justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj