New Malomalo 7s champion pay tribute to families and friends
THE new Fiji Bitter Malomalo 7s champion team Red Wing dedicates their victory on Saturday evening at Lawaqa Park at Sigatoka to all mothers.
Red Wing, comprising of Tabadamu players stopped the winning streak of the Police Blue team under floodlights after winning the final 12-10.
The star-studded Police side, champion of the Fiji Bitter Malake 7s and the Fiji Bitter Yalovata Ovalau 7s, crumpled under pressure from the Red Wing side. How did they stop the lawmen? "It is through God and the family bond among the players," an emotional Red Wing coach Ulaiasi Bola said.
"These are boys from different parts of Fiji who could not find a rugby club. The bond between them has grown into a family and that bond has built into a brotherhood that has spilled on to the rugby field and has made them champion again.
"We dedicate our win to all mothers in Fiji and our mothers and the families of our players who stood by us all the time with support, advise and prayers,"
Police Blue was the first over the line after Inia Rokomatu scooted down the embankment line to score the first try. Police led 5-0 at halftime.
Former Fiji rep Livai Ikanikoda summoned all his experience to manoeurve his way through the nippy and fit Red Wing defenders to put Police ahead 10-0.
The magical Josateki Tuilawaki, many predict to replace Jerry Tuwai and who masterminded Red Wing's attack goosestepped his way through Police and raced away 75 metres to score.
He converted his try to lead 107. Police player Rubeni Kabu was sin-binned for a high tackle reducing the lawmen to six players.
It was then Red Wing's Jone Pio who sealed the winner for his side to send the crowd into a fenzy and end Police Blue winning streak in the Fiji Bitter-sponsored 7s tournaments.
Police Blue coach Sale tubuna said mistakes cost them the win.
“Red Wing was the better team, we congratulate them,” he said.
“Small mistakes cost us heavily and the sun-bin, but we will regroup and come back strongly in future Fiji Bitter 7s tournaments.”
Red Wing won $5000, Police Blue $2000.
We dedicate our win to all mothers in Fiji and our mothers and the families of our players who stood by us all the time with support, advice and prayers.
– Ulaiasi Bola