The Police Blue rugby sevens team wrote another chapter in one of the great stories of the Super Sevens series at Churchill Park in Lautoka when the team managed by Keponi Paul won the winner’s gong after defeating a Hart Barbarians starred 27-7 in a thrilling final from yesterday, the Fiji Rugby Union-sanctioned senior men’s Fun Flavor Super Sevens Series competition.
The Lawmen had the last laugh against double Olympic rugby sevens gold medalist Seremaia Tuwai after crossing for a total of five tries in the game.
The Lawmen appeared in good form and were consistent during the two-day men’s tournament; they remained the only undefeated team after the event’s conclusion.
The Barbarians had only themselves to blame due to their indiscipline after Vatemo Ravouvou was sent to the naughty chair in the second spell and failed to match the level of fitness of the defending champions of series.
The captain of the winning team, Paul, said it was the third lucky time for them.
“This win is special because it’s our first win in the series,” he said.
“We have failed in the previous two finals and it is great to finally be able to get our hands on the winner’s trophy.
“I have to pay tribute to the players.
“They were focused and working as a team.
“The boys were able to show off as much as they could.
“These two days were proof of the resilience of the team after witnessing a tough final game against a quality opponent at Hart Barbarians.
“The courage and determination we showed, especially in those defensive sets, was unreal.
“We showed heart like no other and I’m just super proud of the team. The boys are a tight group of people. It’s been a rewarding outing.”
The match had started off at a blistering pace with flier Rusiate Matai clocking in for a five-pointer within the first two minutes of play for the Lawmen, followed by half-back Petero Kelevanua’s double try in the first out.
Both teams went on a break with Police Blue leading 15-0; the deal was done for the Lawmen as they scored two more tries in the second stanza.
The new winners played their third consecutive final of the series and the match was played in front of more than 2,000 rugby fans.
Police Blue collected 22 points while Hart Barbarians received 19 in the grand prix style of the domestic rugby sevens competition; Josua Vakurinabili’s goalkeepers picked up 17 points after finishing third when the team beat Raiwasa Taveuni 24-5.
Meanwhile, Hart Barbarians beat Raiwasa Taveuni 19-17 in the first semi-final while Police Blue beat Wardens 12-0 in the second.
Hart Barbarians teams: Pio Tuwai (7), Malakai Tobau (3), Samuela Gaunaca (5), Seremaia Tuwai (9), Vatemo Ravouvou (8), Kaminieli Rasaku (11), Manueli Maisamoa (12), Semi Kunatani (1) ), Vilimoni Latianara (13), Penijamini Tuberi (4), Metuisela Bogitini (10) and Scott Hill (15).
Police Blue: Livai Ikanikoda (1), Keponi Paul (2), Josevani Soro (5), Petero Kelevanua (10), Filipe Sauturaga (12), Rusiate Matai (14), Joseva Talacolo (15), Glen Cakautini (4) , Taniela Rakuro (7), Josevata Vakatuturaga (8), Belasio Vukiwai (9) and Inia Roko Matu (13).
