A thrilling contest unfolded in Suva last Saturday as the Namuaniwaqa Sea Eagles clinched the Vodafone Cup Premier Men’s trophy after a dramatic 32-30 victory against the Vusu Raiders. The match was marked by a series of ups and downs that kept fans on the edge of their seats, culminating in a 30-30 tie at full-time, which led to two sets of extra time and a decisive golden point from a penalty kick.
The Sea Eagles took an early lead with a converted try just six minutes into the game, but the Raiders rallied back with their own try in the 20th minute. The intensity of the match increased as both teams exchanged points, resulting in the suspenseful tie that carried into the extra time segments. Amid confusion regarding a potential missed conversion that Namuaniwaqa officials believed had been successful, a review confirmed there was no score change before the golden point was enforced.
Ultimately, it was a penalty awarded to Namuaniwaqa that secured their victory, leading to joyous celebrations on the field. Emotions ran high for the winning team, with tears of joy shed as they were wrapped in traditional cloth by supporters and teammates as a part of a celebratory ritual known as “vakamamaca.”
Coach Mosese Kaitaci expressed heartfelt gratitude, thanking God, the players, and their loyal supporters for their contribution to this hard-fought win. He emphasized that this victory was not just for the Sea Eagles but for their entire province of Ra, marking a significant milestone in their journey that began earlier this year at Namuaniwaqa Primary School.
In the context of the Vodafone Cup, this victory reinforces the competitive spirit of the tournament, highlighting the close contests that have characterized recent matches. For instance, in the Fiji National Rugby League Women’s competition, the Police Sharks also celebrated a victory, edging out the Yasawa Saints 24-22 in their championship final, showcasing the resilience and determination that all participating teams bring to the field.
As the Sea Eagles bask in their triumph, they can look forward to continuing their momentum into future seasons, setting a positive tone for the challenges ahead.