The Viria Blues clinched victory in the inaugural Flame Tree Waimanu Sevens, overcoming the Vuna Brothers with a score of 14-5 during a gripping final held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last Saturday.
The match began with both teams displaying equal skill and determination, but the Vuna Brothers’ indiscipline led to a pivotal moment—a penalty try was awarded to the Viria Blues. Seizing the opportunity while a Vuna player was temporarily sidelined, the Viria Blues executed a synchronized team effort to score another try, ending the first half with a comfortable 14-0 lead.
In the second half, the Vuna Brothers refused to back down. Their strong defensive strategy created a turnover that allowed their winger to dash toward the uprights and score, bringing the score to 14-7 after a successful conversion with just two minutes left on the clock.
The inclement weather contributed to several handling errors for both sides, complicating their efforts as time ticked away. With only a minute remaining, Vuna earned a penalty scrum deep within Viria’s territory, but lost possession, enabling the Viria Blues to clear the ball and secure their victory.
Capturing the spirit of the match, Viria Blues captain Seru Tamanikaibau praised the Vuna Brothers for their tenacity and attributed his team’s success to strong faith and collaboration. “Firstly, I want to thank the Lord for the talent He has given us. Without His providence, this victory wouldn’t have been possible,” he expressed. Tamanikaibau emphasized the importance of teamwork, revealing that their coaches urged the players to collaborate and adhere to their game plan for the win.
This momentous victory establishes the Viria Blues as the first-ever champions of the Flame Tree Waimanu 7s, which will adopt this unique format as its yearly competition model moving forward. The event not only showcased athletic prowess but also fostered a sense of community and spirit among the participating teams. The future of the Flame Tree Waimanu Sevens looks promising, bringing excitement to rugby lovers for years to come.
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