The Fiji Times

Talent show

Lautoka’s dream shattered after Labasa win

- By ZANZEER SINGH

THE Fiji Football Associatio­n has been impressed with the talent on display at the 2019 Courts Inter District Championsh­ip.

Fiji FA competitio­n manger Amitesh Pal said the tournament was successful over the first three days of the group stage.

Pal said the attendance should increase for the semi-finals tomorrow with Nadi’s advancemen­t in the premier division. “Generally the group stage has been a success in terms of the level of football, the spectator numbers and weather conditions,” he said.

“There were couple of upsets in the group stage both in the premier and senior divisions. Some of the lower rated teams have done well. We hope to see more people to come out to support their teams on the weekend.”

The semi-finals will be played tomorrow while the final will be played on Sunday.

LABASA dashed Lautoka’s hopes of a three peat in the Courts Inter District Championsh­ip after defeating Ba 1-0 in the final Group A match at Prince Charles Park in Nadi last night.

Lauoka having won the IDC title back to back in 2017 and 2018 trounced Tavua 7-3 but the 2-0 loss against Ba on Day Two of competitio­n came back to haunt them.

Atonio Tuivuna scored the winner for the Babasiga Lions in the second spell.

In the premier semi-final Suva will face Ba while Labasa will take on Nadi.

Ba last won the IDC title in 2015, Suva in 2014, Labasa in 2011 and Nadi in 2002.

In the senior division semi-finals Lami will take on defending champions Navua while Nadroga will play Savusavu.

 ?? Picture: REINAL CHAND ?? Labasa’s Atonio Tuivuna and Akeimi Ralulu work hard to stop Ba’s Darold Kakasi, right, during their match in the Courts Inter District Championsh­ip at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
Picture: REINAL CHAND Labasa’s Atonio Tuivuna and Akeimi Ralulu work hard to stop Ba’s Darold Kakasi, right, during their match in the Courts Inter District Championsh­ip at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
 ?? Picture: REINAL CHAND Picture: REINAL CHAND ?? Ba goalkeeper Atunaisa Naucukidi stops a shot from Labasa striker Siotame Kubu.
Inset: Labasa’s Lekima Gonerau commits a foul on Ba’s Savenaca Naulalevu during their match last night.
Picture: REINAL CHAND Picture: REINAL CHAND Ba goalkeeper Atunaisa Naucukidi stops a shot from Labasa striker Siotame Kubu. Inset: Labasa’s Lekima Gonerau commits a foul on Ba’s Savenaca Naulalevu during their match last night.
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