Police sails into top eight
POLICE Blues successfully retained the Esala Teleni Shield after defeating Navy 32-27 in the Suva Rugby FMF Koroturaga competition at the Suva Grammar School grounds yesterday.
They now book a spot in the quarter-finals of the Escortt Shield competition, where they will be out to maintain their status as defending champions.
Head coach Bogivitu Gaunavinaka says his side was able to execute everything they have been working on over the past week, which resulted in their win yesterday.
“We are happy because we were able to achieve our target, and that was to defend the shield,” he said.
“The boys managed to execute all that we have been working on, which was to control the momentum of the game and to keep pressure on our opponents.”
Gaunavinaka said he was also happy with the huge turnout of the fans at the grounds, who gathered in numbers to support the team.
“We had a big crowd here today and we’re just thankful for the support from all our fans.”
Police Blues will now either face Lakeba or Army in the Escott Shield, and they will be out to continue their dominance in the competition.
“Our goal is to continue this form and to ultimately maintain our status as defending champions.”
However, with a handful of players part of the Suva Rugby Union squad, the Police Blues will be missing a few key players as the Capital City side will challenge Nadroga for the Farebrother Trophy this weekend.
“Most of our players are in the Suva team, and Suva will be playing Nadroga this weekend which is the same weekend we will be playing in the quarters.
“This means we will be missing a few of our key players.
“But that is no excuse for us, we will work with those here and we will force our way through to the semi-finals.”