Newcomers determined to Return

It took a few more for Fiji Bitter Service Labasa Under-21 to settle at the ANZ stadium when they beat TM Cloudbreak Brothers 12-7 yesterday.

Team manager Nokati Rogovinaka con­tinually reminded his batch of newcomers to settle down and not carried away with the sight of the biggest sports complex.

The players reside in Naodamu, Labasa.

“It is not easy bringing over a bunch of en­thusiastic rugby players who are in Suva for the first time,” Rogovinaka said.

“We have been preparing well the past one month and two weeks, the ever changing weather conditions up in the North failed to dampen their spirit,” he said.

“Call it culture shock to walk into the na­tional stadium, the set-up is an awesome sight.

“We came to play sevens, this is an opportu­nity in a lifetime.

“Most of them only watch matches played here at the ANZ National stadium on tel­evision so to actually come here and play on this ground its a huge achievement for them.”

The side is also preparing for the Fiji Bitter Labasa sevens tourney in July.

“Marist sevens is the biggest competition here, to come and be part of it is a big thing to us.”

“We are excited to be here and to be part of this tournament and to even watch the All Blacks sevens team in action for the very first time ever.”

According to Rogovinaka they are going to return next year as majority of their players are 18-years-old.

“We will be in this division for another two years, our results are not bad. We appreciate taking part.”

They drew with Namuaniwaqa 12-all and lost to division defending champions Do­minion Brothers 7-19 yesterday.

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