Police win Labasa 7s

Police Blue team captain, Livai Ikanikoda’s decision to take a penalty tap and use an extra man to exploit the BLK Lavidi Brothers defence paid off as they scored the decisive last minute winning try. 

The ‘Men in Blue’ edged BLK Lavidi 12-10 in a pulsating Fiji Bitter Labasa Sevens senior men’s grand final with Lavidi Brothers a player down. 

Speaking to SUNsports after the win, Ikanikoda, said they expected BLK Lavidi Brothers to give them a tough battle and tough it was, with Lavidi leading most of the game. 

“I know it is a last minute try which helped us win the final, with one sub left to come in then I come in again,” he said. 

He shared how he had to make the decision right despite his players urging him to take the scrum rather than the penalty tap. 

“I told them we will take the penalty tap because the tryline is near and this led to a great shift where police managed to breakthrough the Lavidi defence and score the winner,” he described. 

He said they respected Lavidi for being a consistent side and were determined to make their best push for the title. 

He thanked the Almighty God for the success which they showcased when they sang thanking Jesus Christ for guiding them to win despite the odds staked against them. 

Ikanikoda dedicated this to their families sacrifice when family time was limited with work and rugby commitments priority. 

“This win is for all police officers locally and serving on overseas missions,” he added. 

Police Blue road to succes 

Remained unbeaten in pool play and qualified for the cup elimination rounds defeating VBM Black Heron 20-5. 

In the cup quarterfinals, used their strong forwards to make linebreaks and beat Bokobuka 17-0 and survived a scare against Raviravi Brothers winning 12-7. 

Police Blue joins Army Green, Devo Babas and Raiwasa Taveuni which have won the Fiji Bitter Labasa Sevens title in the last four years. 

U21 title 

Aloha Taveuni won the boy’s under-21 title defeating Kasabias Young Boys 19-0 in the final. 

The boys from Taveuni showed determination and never looked ready to give away any points as their defense stood tall whitewashing their opponents.

Women’s final

Kasabias Senikakala took out the women’s sevens crown with a strong and outstanding win over Tagimoucia Ranadi 7-0 in heavy ground conditions. 

Other winners

In the main division, Army Green, finished strong with a plate title defeating Bokobuka 19-0. 

This after a disappointing tournament where they were shocked by Nabouwalu Selection in a nil-all draw in pool play and then lost to Savusavu club, Loloma Heights in the cup quarter-finals 17-12. 

Men’s Bowl final: 

Bula Brothers 21-5 SR Amica and 

Men’s Shield final: 

Kinsmen Brothers 0-5 Vanuavou Stingray. 

U21 plate final: 

St Theresa Nukubalavu 26- RKS Old Boys 14, 

Bowl final: 

Domoniwai Highlanders 0- 5 Nasavu Brothers 5.