Newcomers Veiyasana Providers have been crowned the champions of the Fiji Sports Council Under-20 sevens tournament held in Suva, securing a narrow 12-10 victory against Ca’au on Saturday.
Coached by Sireli Bobo, this makeshift team rose to the occasion, defying expectations and overcoming the tournament favorites in thrilling fashion. Bobo expressed his appreciation for the experience gained throughout the competition, stating, “The boys played beyond what I had expected.” Just hours before the tournament began, they had managed to field a complete squad.
The team comprises talented players from various backgrounds, including Ba River, High Performance Unit, Queen Victoria School, and Nabua. Bobo emphasized the formation of Veiyasana Providers was crucial for giving opportunities to players who sought them. “We came here with a goal and that is to win. Slaying the giants is what this team is known for and I believe we did just that,” he noted, reflecting on their impressive run.
Veiyasana Providers advanced to the Cup final after defeating QVSOB 14-12 in the quarterfinals and overcoming Village Boys 12-7 in a tense semi-final match. As the tournament unfolded, the team’s cohesiveness and gameplay began to shine.
Bobo pointed out the importance of such competitions in nurturing young rugby talent. “The series provides a platform for young ruggers to show what they can do; it always gives exposure to our rising stars,” he remarked, adding that next year’s competition is expected to attract even more teams.
In addition to the main final result, several other matches highlighted the day:
– Men’s U20 Shield Final: Lami Cavaliers 10-0 Untouched Fiji
– Men’s U20 Bowl Final: Super Cool Vatukoro 10-5 Western Marine
– Women’s U20 Bowl Final: Dawasamu Swift 27-0 Striders
– Men’s U20 Plate Final: PSM AFLAME Bros 15-5 QVSOB
– Women’s U20 Plate Final: Blue Gas Lilian Amazon 10-0 Seahawks
– Women’s U20 Main Final: Va-tutalei 10-5 Sinukakala Amazon
– Men’s U20 Main Final: Veiyasana Providers 12-10 Ca’au
Overall, this victory signals a promising future for the Veiyasana Providers, showcasing the depth of talent in Fiji’s youth rugby scene and reigniting hopes for the development of the sport. The road ahead looks bright as more teams are expected to join the competition next year, potentially leading to even greater talent discovery and growth in Fijian rugby.
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