The Fiji Times

Red Wing ends

- By MAIKELI SERU Fans cheering for their respective teams. Right: Children came in numbers to enjoy the 7s.

A player quenching his thirst at the stands.

FORMER Fiji 7s club champion Tabadamu, playing as Red Wing, is on the revival path to regain lost glory in local competitio­ns.

The side, which produced national reps of the past such as Setefano Cakau, beat Police Blue 12-10 in the final of the Fiji Bitter Malomalo 7s at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday.

The side beat Lami Cavaliers in the first cup competitio­n semi-final 12-7.

The first try by Red Wing was scored by Leo Naikasau Jr who foiled the opposition at the stroke of halftime before scooting down the tramline for his side to lead.

Red Wing led 7-0, but when match resumed, Lami Cavaliers’ Ratu Luke jumped high for the kick-off, tapped the ball back to to his teammates and dropped back a bit to be part of the second phase attack. He collected a pass from Ratu Meli before replying in similar fashion to Naikasau Jr.

He levelled scores 7-all. But Red Wing, which had playmaker Josateki Tuilawaca, who is a copy-book of Jerry Tuwai style of play, woke up from slumber and swept in with three phases of attacks.

They used the flanks and their experience to break the opposition defence before George Bese sprinted 20 metres down the embankment towards Sigatoka Town.

The try was unconverte­d, but it pushed Red Wing to the final against the inform Police Blue which could set a record of winning three consecutiv­e Fiji Bitter 7s titles.

“We last played together two years ago,” coach Ulaiasi Bola said.

“Red Wing is the English translatio­n of Tabadamu. Our players have came back together and we are reviving out team. We are working hard because we want to be paid like the Police Blue team while winning tournament­s in the Fiji Bitter tournament­s.

“Police Blue is now Fiji’s champion, we will fight them hard because we want that money too.”

Police Blue, meanwhile, beat Police White

 ?? ?? Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
 ?? Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU ?? Tuva’s Epeli Wacia fends off a Mamaqa player in the under-21 eliminatio­n.
Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU Tuva’s Epeli Wacia fends off a Mamaqa player in the under-21 eliminatio­n.
 ?? ?? Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
 ?? Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU ??
Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU

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