Dominion youth find themselves in last four
THE Dominion Brothers youth team did not expect to make the semifinals of the 12th McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The coaches had to scramble around for players a week before the tournament as they did not have enough numbers to put together a team.
A few calls made to some players who play against them in the Suva Rugby competition, as well as a few in Fiji Rugby’s High Performance Unit, enabled the coaches to put together a full-set team at the very last minute.
The side had a shaky start to the tournament losing to Japan 22-17 but they regrouped, working their way up to the play-offs where they defeated PSM Aflame Brothers 12-0 to reach the last four.
Captain Mosese Nokelala said their trust in each other brought them this far.
“We only trained together for a few days; it wasn’t even a week. A few of us joined the team at the very last minute because we needed the numbers to participate.
“Before we left Suva, we were consistently reminded to work as a team, strengthen our brotherly bond, and follow instructions. I thank the boys for living up to the expectations of the coaches, for following instructions and for being obedient.
“I think that has paid off; our dedication has been rewarded with a place in the semi-final. The work is not done yet as we aim to make the finals of the competition.”
Dominion Brothers will battle an undefeated Southland Brothers team in the first semi-final at 12.30pm today.
Japan Under-18, which has also been on a winning streak, will take on the Fiji U20s at 12.50pm in the second semi-final.
I think that has paid off; our dedication has been rewarded with a place in the semi-final. The work is not done yet as we aim to make the finals ... – Mosese Nokelala