Police Blues clinched their fourth straight FMF Escott Shield title with a commanding 30-17 final victory over Fresh’et Navy in the Suva final at Albert Park. The Nasova-based champions set the tone early, racing to a 19-0 halftime lead after three tries in the opening period. They added two penalties and a late unconverted try after the break to seal the win.
Navy fought back in the second half, crossing for three tries, but a string of handling errors near the Police line scuttled their comeback. fatigue may have played a part, with Navy having just played in the Bougainville Challenge on Tuesday, but Police’s discipline and execution proved decisive as the title defense rolled on.
Police Blues manager Livai Toribau stressed that the Escott Shield’s true home is Nasova and that the victory was dedicated to the Police Commissioner for the week’s encouragement as Suva looks toward the Sukuna Bowl later in the year. “The challenge for the boys was to go out, fight the battle, win the battle and come back victorious,” he said. For a fourth consecutive year, Police have outlasted Navy in the final, underscoring the side’s consistency and dominance in Suva rugby. Toribau also thanked sponsors and stakeholders for their ongoing support of Suva rugby during another successful club season.
In other finals, Nabua White defeated Marist Old Boys 21-14 to claim the Koroturaga Cup, adding another trophy to Nabua’s growing haul this season.
What this means for Suva rugby: Police Blues remain the standard-bearers with a four-year lock on the Escott Shield as teams pivot toward the Sukuna Bowl and the return of the broader competition calendar. Navy showed resilience and fighting spirit, while Nabua’s Koroturaga Cup triumph signals healthy depth and competition across the clubs.
Additional notes: The weekend highlighted the continuing strength and excitement of Suva’s club scene, with multiple teams contending for silverware and showcasing the region’s depth. As the Escott Shield nears its conclusion and the Koroturaga rounds continue, fans can expect more high-stakes matchups and momentum shifts as teams prepare for upcoming seasons.
At a glance
– Escott Shield: Police Blues 30, Navy 17 (Police win fourth straight Escott Shield)
– Key moments: 19-0 at halftime; Navy mounted a late surge but could not overcome the early deficit
– Koroturaga Cup: Nabua White 21, Marist Old Boys 14 (Nabua claims the trophy)
– Outlook: Police eye Sukuna Bowl momentum; Nabua and other clubs build depth for the remainder of the season
Commentary: The result reinforces Police Blues’ status as Suva rugby’s powerhouse while emphasizing the importance of preparation, fitness, and cohesion in sustaining sustained success. The Koroturaga Cup win for Nabua adds to a competitive season that should keep fans engaged as the calendar moves toward year-end showdowns.
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