The Highlanders became the first sevens team from Vanua Levu to qualify for the Cup elimination rounds of the Fiji Bitter Service Labasa Sevens tournament.

This was after beating Restoration Academy 10-0 at Subrail Park, Labasa, yesterday.

Then they were joined by Raiwasa Taveuni who qualified for topping their pool.

However, the Labasa-based Highlanders beat Devo Babass 7-5, Koroirea 22-7 and Fawn Harbour Babaas 17-0. They topped Pool B with 16 points and faces the runners-up of Pool G in the elimination round.

Team manager, Gabrieli Buli, said this was a milestone achievement for their club as they never participated in any major sevens tournament.

The side won small tournaments like the Lekutu and Batirilagi 7s.

Buli said most of their players were unemployed and they are into kava farming.

“We are rebuilding our team and we have one player from Naitasiri playing for us,” he said.

The 37-year-old said they are prepared to face any team in today’s elimination.

Nagusa’s touch inspires Nadogo

Nadogo Ignite forward, Epia Ravula, was the star for his side after scoring the winning try as they registered their first win at the Fiji Bitter Service Labasa Sevens tournament.

Ravula scored the try on the stroke of fulltime, as he broke through the St Patrick Vunikura defence and fended off tacklers on his way to score the try for their 7-0 win.

He told SUNsports the joy of running past the last line of defence and scoring the winning try was a great feeling.

The 22-year-old wants to make a career out of rugby and earn a living for his family.

“I’m learning a lot of new rugby skills, timing of passes, tackling and going into rucks to contest for turnovers,” he said.

He said the presence of the Fijian Drua captain and former Flying Fijians No.8 Nemani Nagusa was a boost for them.

Fijian Drua No.8 Nemani Nagusa (standing fourth from right) with the Nadogo Ignite team at the Fiji Bitter Service Labasa Sevens tournament at Subrail Park on July 22, 2022. Photo: Sampras Anand.

Nagusa, helped the side after the first day of competition.

Nagusa said he received a call from the team manager Semi Bogitini, who was a friend since they played rugby together in Hamilton, New Zealand.

“I came to Vanua Levu to help develop grassroots rugby and impart my rugby knowledge to the youths,” he said.

Nagusa would continue to help the Nadogo Ignite progress further in the tournament in the elimination round.

“Judging from their player’s performance, they were massive signs of improvement and this development needs to continue for the growth of the team.”

Bogitini, said the result was a testament of their perseverance and faith in their ability to win against the odds.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj