Vanuabalavu edged Central Brothers 21-16 in Round 8 of the Suva Rugby Escott Shield at St Marcellin Ground in Vatuwaqa on Friday, a result the island-based side hope will kick-start a sustained push up the competition table. The win was Vanuabalavu’s sixth outing of the Escott Shield season and came after a rocky start that saw the team drop early matches.
Vice-captain Peter James said the victory was built on discipline and a committed adherence to the team’s game plan. “It was a good match against our opponent, and I thank the boys for the teamwork that allowed us to execute our game plan well,” James said, singling out cohesion and focus as the deciding factors in a tight contest.
Despite the positive result, James warned there is still work to be done. He pointed to weaknesses in ball handling, defence and attack that the side must address ahead of next week’s fixture. “We need to work on a few areas such as ball handling, defence and attack so we can continue to improve and give our opponents a strong challenge next week,” he said, outlining a clear agenda for upcoming training sessions.
The team acknowledged the strain of their early-season setbacks but insisted the setbacks have only reinforced their determination. “It has not been an easy journey for the team, but the boys’ faith, passion and commitment to the sport continue to drive us forward,” James said, adding that the squad’s primary ambition remains lifting the Escott Shield this season. The vice-captain stressed the importance of converting recent improvements into consistent results.
Vanuabalavu also paid tribute to the strong support network behind the players, thanking family members and fellow islanders living in Suva for their backing. The side said the encouragement from the Vanuabalavu community in the capital has been a motivating factor throughout the campaign, helping maintain morale during difficult periods.
Friday’s narrow victory keeps Vanuabalavu’s campaign alive as they prepare for their next match. With coach and technical staff expected to focus sessions on James’ highlighted weaknesses, the team enters the coming round intent on building momentum and proving their victory was not an isolated performance but a turning point in their Escott Shield bid.