Police Back to Defend Escott Shield
“It was unfortunate that we had to give away the Esala Teleni Shield that we have defended for the last two years being undefeated in all the games,” he said.
Monday 11 March 2024 | 15:10
Police Blue team manager Livai Toribau (left) presents the Esala Teleni Shield to the Lami Cavaliers team at Buckhurst Park, Suva on March 9, 2024. Photo: Sereana Salalo
Defending Escott Shield champions Police Blue will return to the Suva Rugby Union club games competition this week.
This was confirmed by manager Sergeant Livai Toribau.
Police were also holders of the Esala Teleni Shield, which was handed to Lami Cavaliers last Saturday as green light for them to play was delayed and they did not play. Cavaliers won the shield by default.
Toribau is hopeful that they would defend both shields at the end of the SRU season.
“It was unfortunate that we had to give away the Esala Teleni Shield that we have defended for the last two years being undefeated in all the games,” he said.
“If it comes around, we assure our supporters that we will retain the Teleni shield.”
He also acknowledged the acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew and the Assistant Commissioner Crime Mesake Waqa who took the initiative to allow them to defend the Escott Shield this year.
Suva’s first five eight Enele Malele (with ball) on attack against Yasawa during their Skipper Cup Round 3 match at Bidesi Park, Suva on March 9, 2024. Photo: Sereana Salalo
The Police Blue held the Escott Shield for two years-in-a-row.
Police teams were not allowed to participate at any sporting tournament earlier this year, however only a few teams have been confirmed to go ahead.
“There are also players that play for Suva in the Skipper Cup at the moment including Jonathan Sovasova, Sireli Narawa, vice-captain Mosese Naiova, captain James Brown, Iowane Ligatabu and Watisoni Sevutia.
“We only missed this week, we requested for a bye but unfortunately the Suva (Rugby) executives cannot prolong the kickoff of the club games.”
Meanwhile, Queen Victoria School Old Boys (QVSOB) side lost 25-18 to Lakeba 25-18 in the Mosese Taga Shield challenge.
Other FMF Escott Shield Round One results: Fresh’et Navy 17-14 USP, Covenant Blues 27-0 Tackle Kadavu, Naqarani 19-10 Navakavu Blues, Army Green 20-13 Marist, Fire 27-10 Raiwaqa, Lomaiviti Black 25-13 RKSOB.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
