Army Green ended a long winless streak at the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s by claiming victory in the men’s cup final against Police Blue, with a score of 21-5. The match was hard-fought, beginning with Police scoring the first try, but they were unable to capitalize on their early lead as Army Green’s defense proved too strong.
Jonetani Mudreilagi, the assistant manager of Army Green, expressed immense joy as the team secured their first-ever Wairiki 7s trophy, highlighting the significance of this victory after years of participation in the tournament. He shared his gratitude for the support from fans and credited the players and management for their dedication.
“This win marks the culmination of our efforts here in Wairiki,” Mudreilagi stated in an interview. “We have always competed in this tournament since its inception, and to finally lift the trophy is a tremendous achievement for us.”
The journey to the tournament was also noteworthy, as Army Green traveled on the MV Lady Daya, enduring a challenging 22-hour boat ride from Suva to Taveuni. Mudreilagi extended his appreciation to the players’ families and fellow army officers for their unwavering support, which he believes contributed to their success. In addition to the trophy, the team celebrated their victory with a prize money of $10,000.
This remarkable win not only marks a historic moment for Army Green but also reflects the resilience and teamwork shown by the players, setting a positive precedent for future tournaments.