The Fiji Airways Fiji Blue team triumphed at the Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s, securing victory against the Taikita Brothers 7s with a score of 29-5 in the Cup Final held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The match showcased an exciting turn of events as the Taikita Brothers surprised the Fiji Blue team by scoring the opening try, taking an early lead.
However, the Fiji Blue team quickly regrouped, with Pilipo Bukayaro successfully converting a try that brought the score to 7-5 in their favor. Following that, Fiji Blue mounted an impressive comeback, scoring four consecutive tries to decisively clinch the match. Joji Nasova was a standout performer, contributing two tries, while Sakiusa Siqila and speedster Vuiviawa Naduvalo added one try each.
Osea Kolinisau, the national 7s men’s coach who led the Fiji Blue team, expressed satisfaction with the tournament, noting that it provided valuable testing for the players. He acknowledged the efforts of the Fiji White team, which unfortunately fell to the strong Taikita Brothers in the semi-finals. Kolinisau highlighted the importance of this tournament as a learning experience, emphasizing that the players demonstrated mental toughness despite a challenging start in the final match.
Taikita Brothers team manager Mosese Bokini shared his pride in the team’s performance, especially since this was only their second tournament in the Fiji Bitter Series. He expressed optimism about the positives gained from their participation.
Overall, the tournament served as an essential platform for both teams to develop skills and resilience.
This event not only celebrated the spirit of competition but also showcased the dedication and potential of Fijian rugby players, suggesting a promising future for many young athletes in the sport.
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