Etonia Taivoce, the winning manager, dedicated the Wardens’ victory in the 31st R.C Manubhai tournament to all officers of the Fiji Corrections Service. The team triumphed over the BLK Lavidi Brothers with a score of 10-5 in a fiercely contested cup final held at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori on Saturday.
Taivoce described the match as challenging, expressing gratitude for the strength granted by God and acknowledging the efforts of their opponents. He emphasized the importance of focus and teamwork, particularly at halftime, which contributed to their success. The coach praised his young players for their remarkable character in both attack and defense throughout the match.
In celebration of their achievement, the team received $5,000 in prize money, while their rivals, the Lavidi Brothers, took home $3,000. Taivoce noted that the team would take a week off before intensifying their preparation for upcoming tournaments, with the Labasa Sevens tournament being their next target.
Halfback Netava Koroisau, who played a crucial role in the final, acknowledged the high expectations placed on the team. He referred to their victory as a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s gift for their colleagues back at work. Koroisau’s late try during extra time secured the win, following a tightly contested match that ended with both teams tied at 5-5 at full time. He remains focused on training and improvement as he returns to work, thanking all those who supported the team during the tournament.
This victory not only stands as a testament to the team’s dedication and hard work but also highlights the community spirit within the Fiji Corrections Service. Their journey to the top is a reminder that resilience and teamwork can lead to triumph, even in challenging circumstances.
In summary, the Wardens’ victory not only brings pride to their community but also sets a hopeful precedent for future tournaments, showcasing the strength and tenacity of the players.
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