The Police Blues triumphed as the new champions of the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s men’s division, narrowly defeating BLK Lavidi 12-10 in a captivating final held at Subrail Park on Saturday night.
The match kicked off with an early advantage for Police, as Suliano Savenaca scored the opening try, which was converted by Livai Ikanikoda, giving them a 7-0 lead. BLK Lavidi responded just before halftime, with Petero Waqa crossing over in the corner, bringing the score to 7-5 at the break.
In a dramatic turn of events in the second half, BLK Lavidi took a brief lead thanks to a try from Jepesa Vunisa, although the conversion went awry. As the match approached its conclusion, the Police Blues displayed remarkable composure and determination. They clinched victory with a decisive try from Petero Kelevanua in the final moments of the game.
Following the match, Police Blues coach Apenisa Nasilasila lauded his team’s resilience. He noted their strong response after an earlier defeat in Taveuni, highlighting how they regrouped and returned with renewed vigor to secure the Labasa 7s title. This victory not only underscores the team’s growth but also sets a positive tone for their future endeavors in the sport.