The Police Blues emerged as the champions of the Fiji Bitter Labasa 7s men’s division, edging out BLK Lavidi 12-10 in a thrilling final held at Subrail Park on Saturday night. The match captivated the audience with its intensity and dramatic shifts in momentum.
From the outset, the Police Blues established an advantage with Suliano Savenaca scoring the opening try, which was converted by Livai Ikanikoda, propelling them to a 7-0 lead. As the first half neared its end, BLK Lavidi made a noteworthy comeback with Petero Waqa scoring a try in the corner, narrowing the gap to 7-5 by halftime.
The second half brought further excitement, as BLK Lavidi briefly took the lead with a try from Jepesa Vunisa, although they missed the conversion attempt. However, the Police Blues demonstrated remarkable composure and tenacity as the game progressed. In a dramatic finish, Petero Kelevanua scored the decisive try in the final moments, securing the championship for the Police Blues.
After the match, Police Blues coach Apenisa Nasilasila praised his team’s resilience, citing their strong recovery after a previous defeat in Taveuni. This triumph not only symbolizes the team’s development but also imbues them with a renewed sense of confidence as they look forward to future competitions in the sport. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Police Blues, accentuating their commitment and determination on the field.