Ratu Felise wins Nawaka Sevens

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Kiniviliame Qereqeretabua was the toast of Namatakula based Ratu Filise after he scored last gasp try to win a tight final at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. His team came from behind in an exciting final to scrape past the much fancied Army Green 21-20.

The major shock of the day was the demise of the Fiji Barbarians, a shadow side of the national team, who lost to Army Green in the last eight.

In the final it was Army Green who drew first blood with a try from former national rep Napolioni Naulia. younger brother of former Fiji reps Semisi and Api Naevo. Minutes later a scorching run by playmaker Seniloli Lutu saw Army Green extend their lead by 12 points to nil.

Ratu Filise responded with a try from winger Kavekini Nayava seconds before the half-time hooter, with the score 12-7 to Army.

Aminiasi Nava gave extended Army’s lead lead at the beginning of the second half to take the score to 17-7. Ratu Filise came back fired-up after that with another converted try to bring the score to 17-14.

However a penalty awarded to Army Green for a deliberate knock-down by Ratu Filise took the score to 20-14 and Army Green looked as if they had it in the bag. But a huge fend by big Ratu Filise prop Tuqiri in the final minute of play saw a beautifully executed try by Kini Qereqeretabua just seconds before the final whistle.

The try was converted and the game ended with the final score of 21-20 to Ratu Filise.

Ratu Filise’s three Australian based players- Kavekini Nayava, Penaia Tuqiri and Kini Qereqeretabua all made sizable impacts in the thrilling final. Army Green beat Vuda Blues 26-12 in the first semi-final with Ratu Filise edging the Wardens 17-12 in the second last four clash.

In the Cup quarter-finals, Police Blues lost 12-14 to Vuda Blues, Ratu Filise beat Kovacake Blues 12-0 and Wardens defeated Nawaka 17-5.

Injury worries for Fiji

The Fiji Barbarians 14-7 loss to Army Green though was the major talking though with the next legs of the IRB Sevens World Series taking place soon in Adelaide (20-21 March) and Hong Kong (26-28 March).

As we saw with the Suva Rugby Festival it was another example of the strength of Fijian club Sevens. The Baas-Baas bounced back to win the plate against hosts Nawaka but saw a worrying ankle injury to key man Seremaia Burotu in the process.

With minor injuries also to Pio Tuwai, Watisoni Votu, Emosi Vucago and Osea Kolinisau, it’s a worrying period for national coach Iliesa Tanivula.