In a thrilling final, rookie striker Rusiate Doidoi was the toast of the Labasa football side for scoring the goal that beat Navua 2-1 in extra spell.

The win saw the Babasiga Lions retain the

Rooster Chicken/ Scoop Ice Cream Battle of the Giants title at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

Speaking to SUNsports last night, Doidoi said he was hungry to score a goal.

“I told the boys that I wanted to score one goal to win the B.O.G and give our fans something to celebrate,” he said.

Both teams were locked 1-1 at fulltime. After a scoreless first half, the Extra Supermarket sponsored- Labasa side took a 1-0 lead from a Christopher Wasasala header.

Navua struck back to equalise from the penalty spot when Jared Rongosulia placed the ball past veteran goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau.

Then it was Doidoi’s moment of glory in scoring the winning goal.

Navua came out looking for the equaliser but the experienced Labasa defenders of Tamanisau, Taniela Waqa, Lekima Gonerau, Ilaisa Nayasi and Akeimi Ralulu closed up the game.

A hallmark of Labasa’s win was the coaching expertise of Intiaz Khan who made tactical and technical changes during critical moments of the game.

The former classy Suva striker, coach and also Fiji Futsal head coach who is making a comeback showed his vast experience and knowledge of the game in spearheading Labasa’s campaign. Labasa won $17,000 while Navua collected $5000.

Tamanisau took out the Golden Glove Award, Lautoka striker Sairusi Nalaubau won the Golden Boot Award while Wasasala received the Golden Ball Award.

Nasau scoops award

Meanwhile, striker Cerna Nasau scooped the Golden Boot and Gold Ball awards after helping Ba hoists the Women’s Battle of the Giants tournament. Ba beat rivals Labasa 5-4 after leading 3-1 at halftime.

Nasinu back to DPL

Two late goals saw Nasinu beat Savusavu 2-0 in the Digicel Senior Leage playoffs at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.

A fter a scoreless first half, Nasoni Mereke slotted in Nasinu’s first goal in the 79th minute and minutes later it was Jonetani Bukash who slammed in the second goal. Nasinu will play in the Digicel Premier League competition next season.

League results

DPL results: Rewa 4-1 Tailevu/Naitasiri, Ba 3-0 Tavua.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj