Blue wins Police battle
THE Fiji Bitter Namalata 7s returns to Kadavu next year after its success in the past three days.
After Police Blue beat Police White 38-29 in the men’s cup final yesterday at the Namalata Central School grounds, sponsors Paradise Beverages confirmed that it would help the islanders again next year.
“To have Paradise Beverages general manager Mike Spencer travel and be part of an island tournament speaks volumes of the seriousness of the work Paradise Beverages is doing in promoting rugby and sports at the grassroots level,” tournament director Malakai Yamaivava said.
“They have announced an increase in sponsorship and the islanders are demanding that the tournament be extended to four days next year to accommodate their youths. This is a good sign from the sponsors and the people are happy since a big sports event as such is rare in Kadavu.
“People came in boatloads in the past three days to watch sevens. They came to watch some players they only hear on the media and watch on television. And to have live television telecast was an additional boost to the event.”
Teams returned to Viti Levu yesterday afternoon because of ship schedules from the island.
Meanwhile, CK EzyBuy Marist won the women’s final beating Lilian Amazon 12-7.
In the men’s semi-finals: Police Blue 12 – 0 Lavidi I, Police White 19 – 5 Nakorolevu Brothers. Quarter-finals: Nakaiolo 10 – 12 Nakorolevu Brothers, Ravoravo Rabbitohs 5 – 19 Police White, Police Blue 17 – 12 Niubuto, Lavidi I 12 – 5 Namalata. Shield semis: Tavuki 17 – 5 Qalira, Maroon Brothers 24 – 7 Flame Tree Colo-i-Suva.