Rewa came from behind to beat Tailevu 19-18 in a thrilling Vodafone Vanua Challenge battle at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.

Fans of both teams converged in numbers and were not disappointed with the action and level of competition that was displayed at the ground which kept them on the edge of their seats.

Knowing it was going to be a tough match up, Rewa coach Ro Alifereti Doviverata said he is happy that the players stuck to the game plan and never gave up until the final whistle.

“We knew that Tailevu were going to tire out in the last quarter so I just told the boys to take quick taps and continue to attack their lines and that eventually paid off,” Ro Dovi said.

“The boys stuck to the game plan I had set-out for them which resulted in our first try and the boys stuck to it towards the last whistle.

“I’m happy with their fitness, it really stood out and our performance here clearly shows we have moved on from our last game so we need to be consistent in all our games.

“It was not easy, Tailevu put on a good performance and really pushed us to our limits but I am happy that the boys held out longer and we are very happy with the win.”

Being down 18-12 with a few minutes to go in the game, the former Flying Fijian skipper says, though it was stressful watching, he had a lot of confidence in the game that they could deliver.

“Seeing the boys try hard to score with the time counting down was nerve wrecking and I think it is much better to be a player than a coach sometimes.

“However, I had confidence in the boys that they were going to keep on attacking Tailevu’s try line.

“We have set out our goals for this season and everyone is vying into that plan, we have our visions and we have achieved four wins so we just need to continue to develop the boys and our game.”