Winning possession through kick-off and executing play perfectly were the key to the Fijian 7s team’s 31-0 victory over Police in the Cup final of the Mobil Uprising Sevens tournament in Pacific Harbour, Deuba yesterday.

Head coach Gareth Baber said games were controlled when teams had possession.

“Games are played when you have control of the ball,” he said.

“With total control then you have to settle things in the game.

“One of the biggest things is when the ball goes from attack to defence.”

Baber indicated that it is a matter of playing smart and be always ready during a game.

“It is important to have that transition and the players adapted to that very well,” he said.

Captain Livai Ikanikoda led from the front and was named player of the tournament as the Fijians returned the $5000 prizemoney to the tournament organisers.

What happened: Playing on a wet surface the Fijians won possession from the restart and took control of the match.

Keeping Police at bay with their attacking game they managed to score a try to prop Iosefo Masi with Ikanikoda’s conversion making it 7-0.

Elusive rover Kaminieli Rasaku dived over to score the second try extending their lead to 12-0 before Masi ran in his second try.

Fijian 7s rep, Sireli Maqala, is tackled by a Police player while Kitione Taliga looks on during the cup final of the Mobil Uprising 7s at Uprising Sports Centre, Pacific Harbour, on February 6, 2021. Photo: Leon Lord

Halftime: Fiji 17-0 Police.

Playmaker Jone Manu capitalised on a Police mistake to score an easy try with the conversion going over for a 24-0 lead.

The prop Taniela Sadrugu powered over for the final try which was converted for a 31-0 win.

Results Day Two

Quarterfinals

Bowl- Cross of Victory 7-5 Dominion Brothers, Fire 19-14 Lami Cavaliers, Yamacia 49-5 Uprising, Army 12-15 Gau Kacau Knights

Cup- Fiji 31-5 Waidrauso Babaas, Tabadamu 29-10 Ratu Filise, Police 7-0 Veiyasana Providers, Wardens 12-10 Uluinakau.

Semifinals 

Bowl- Cross of Victory 7-5 Fire, Yamacia 27-7 Gau Kacau Knights

Plate- Waidraso Babaas 7-15 Ratu Filise, Veiyasana Providers 0-10 Uluinakau

Women- Mt Carmel (Fijiana) 38-7 Striders, Hope Rugby 12-10 Marist Seahawks

Cup- Fiji 19-0 Tabadamu, Police 12-5 Wardens

FINALS

Bowl- Cross of Victory 26-17 Yamacia

Women- Mt Carmel (Fijiana) 25-5 Hope Rugby

Cup- Fiji 31-0 Police

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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