Police Retain I-Wau Trophy
The Livai Ikanikoda-captained Police retained the I-Wau Trophy after defeating Tabadamu 17-0 in the final of the 2019 McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast Sevens at a waterlogged Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday.
The Nasova side scored their first try to winger Necani Nawaqadau who capitalised on a Tabadamu defensive blunder.
In the second spell, rover Rusiate Matai and winger Filipe Sauturaga scored in a match riddled with indiscipline.
The game got very tense towards the end with players from both teams receiving yellow cards.
Tabadamu received three yellow cards to Samu Bale, Semisi Taseve and Atanasio Murimuri while Police copped two to Matai and Ikanikoda.
The Sale Tubuna-coached side had five survivors from last year’s winning team in Ikanikoda, Keponi Paul, Joni Tanoa, Nawaqadau and Matai.
Tabadamu also had the services of Manu Laqai, Jone Vota, Leo Naikasau, Ben Vota,
Police received $10,000 cash prize while Tabadamu received $2,500.
Ilakanikoda said retaining the title was their objective.
“It is a good feeling to win the I-Wau Trophy as it rightly deserves to be rested at Nasova once again. It was our aim while training in the Suva to win this tournament,” he said.
He dedicated the win to the Police family nationwide for their support.
Two weeks ago, Police lost to Tabadamu in the Tabadamu’s own tournament in Nausori.
In the Cup (SF), Police defeated Australia Dev 22-7, while Tabadamu ended Amenoni Nasilasila’s Ratu Filise outfit 26-7 which also riddled by discipline.
In the Cup (QF, Police defeated Glen Vavaitamana’s Coastal Brothers 12-7, Tabadamu humbled Pio Tuwai’s Stars USA 26 – 7.
In the Plate final, Henibua lost the plot in the 10 – 15 to First Light Taveuni as Inoke, Petero Kelevanua, and Apolosi Tuiloma scored a try each. Henibua’s two tries came from Josateki Degei.
In the Bowl final, Olympian Samisoni Viriviri and Vatemo Ravouvou failed to spark Dratabu in the 10-12 loss to NFA.
Antonio Qio and Eremodo Tuni scored for the Akuila Nasi coached side while Viriviri and versatile winger Mesake Varo had their turn.
In the Shield final, livewire centre Luke Nadurutalo’s scored two tries for BLK with a 17-15 victory over Suva Stallions.
Other results: BOWL QF: Dratabu 19 – 17 Suva Stallions, Lokalevu 7- 17 Nasaunivalu, Hong Kong 5 – 0 Outrigger, BLK 0 – 17 NFA
-Edited by Osea Bola
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