Fans support powers Taveuni

The Taveuni rugby team defied all odds to register their first Skipper Cup win by beating Vinod Patel Ba 27-25 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

This Saturday, Taveuni faces a bigger test in taking on BLK Nadroga side at the same venue.

The hard-fought win against Ba was a welcome reward for Taveuni after two narrow defeats in their opening Skipper Cup matches.

Taveuni head coach Josateki Satini praised his players for digging deep when it mattered most.

“I thank the Lord for the game,” he said.

“It was a tough one. I thank Ba for the good tough game. We were able to come out with the win, credit to the boys for the job well done.”

The Taveuni was boosted with the inclusion of former Tailevu halfback Suluka Tunaka, former Suva centre Waisake Ravuiwasa and Fiji men’s rugby 7s back Filipe Sauturaga.

Satini said the team had learnt from their mistakes in the opening two rounds and was pleased with the way the players executed their game plan against Ba.

“During the past two games, we lost in a tight anticipated game but we dug deep and were able to come out with the win,” he said.

“We identified the mistakes in the past two games and we were able to execute the game plan against Ba, which was pleasing.”

The victory was made even more special by the challenges Taveuni faced during their Skipper Cup campaign.

Satini said the team had relied heavily on the support of their families and supporters both in Taveuni and on the mainland.

“When we prepared in Taveuni, we didn’t have anything. From Taveuni to Suva, we were able to survive through the support of our fans and families here on the mainland and those back at home,” he said.

“The win against Ba is very sweet and the hard work paid off. It is our first win since we joined the Skipper Cup.”

Satini dedicated the historic win to their supporters who had stood by the team throughout their campaign.

“I thank the supporters. If they are not here, we couldn’t have performed well. This win is for them. Thank you for being with us and supporting us throughout.”

Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj