Fire Rugby Club staged a stirring second-half surge to upset Lomaiviti Black 24-18 in the FMF Suva Rugby Escott Shield quarter-final at Suva Grammar School grounds, overturning a 15-0 halftime deficit to book a long-awaited semi-final berth. It is Fire’s first appearance in the final four since 2014.
Team manager Vitia Bogi said the turnaround came from composure and commitment to the game plan at halftime. He praised Lomaiviti Black’s pedigree and highlighted that the message at the break was to stay together, trust the system, and execute. With the semi-final now in sight, Bogi added that the side will focus on sharper combinations and sticking to structures, and he thanked supporters for their backing.
The result carries extra weight given Lomaiviti Black’s recent track record. The club has collected prized silverware in recent seasons, including the Esala Teleni Shield and the Rauluni Trophy, and they have been consistent performers in Suva’s top grade. Toppling such a proven side underscores how resilient Fire were to dominate the final 40 minutes 24-3.
Quarter-final results
– Fire 24-18 Lomaiviti Black
– FA & Co Eastern Saints 32-29 DAG QVS Blue
– Fresh’et Navy Blue 31-25 Covenant Brothers
– Police Blues 30-13 Army Green
Koroturaga quarter-final results
– Marist Blue 16-11 Army Red
– Fresh’et Navy White 33-13 Vanuabalavu
– Eastern Saints 13-0 DAG QVSOB White
– Nabua White 34-20 Covenant Red
The semi-finals are scheduled for this Saturday.
What this means and what to watch
– Fire’s comeback speaks to fitness, belief, and bench impact. Reversing a 15-point deficit against a seasoned opponent usually requires cleaner breakdown work, territory control through kicking, and discipline to keep pressure on the scoreboard. Expect Fire to double down on these areas in the semi-final.
– Police Blues, the defending champions, signaled intent with a big quarter-final win. Their experience in knockout matches often shows in game management and set-piece composure.
– Fresh’et Navy Blue’s consistency continues to keep them in the contender conversation, while FA & Co Eastern Saints demonstrated they can close out tight, high-scoring contests—an asset in finals rugby.
Positive outlook
Fire’s run injects fresh energy into the playoffs and highlights the depth across Suva club rugby. With multiple clubs winning tight games and established powerhouses still in the mix, the semi-finals promise balanced, high-quality matchups. For Fire, breaking an 11-year semi-final drought can galvanize the squad and its supporters, and that momentum often counts in knockout rugby.
Summary
Fire overturned a 15-0 halftime deficit to defeat Lomaiviti Black 24-18 and reach their first Escott Shield semi-final since 2014. Police Blues, Fresh’et Navy Blue, and FA & Co Eastern Saints also advanced. Koroturaga quarter-finals saw wins for Marist Blue, Fresh’et Navy White, Eastern Saints, and Nabua White. Semi-finals are set for Saturday.
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