JUSTINE MANNAN
suva

Despite being second last on the points table with seven points, Nadroga will be out to upset All Freight Logistics Suva on Sunday in the Fiji Sun/Skipper Tuna National Football League at Lawaqa Park.
Former Nadroga Football president Dr Dhirend Lal is the new team director. The team currently is second last on the points table with seven points.
“I started last week before our game against Nadi where we drew,”Dr Lal said.
“I have been called in to assist the team to avoid drop to premier grade.
“Nadroga will be a rejuvenated side with our youths involved.”
Dr Lal said the reason for the youths’ inclusion was because senior players were not turning up.
Meanwhile, after Suva’s first loss over the weekend, they will be playing two games this week with their first tonight at ANZ Stadium against Nadi.
All Freight Logistics Suva coach Gurjit Singh said every game now is important as they fight to stay in first place and qualify for the Oceania Champions League.
“Nadroga will be unpredictable, especially playing in their home ground.
We will still field our best 11 despite losing Dreloa and Tuivuna,” he said. Suva plays Nadroga at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka at 3pm on Sunday.
sportsdesk@fijisun.com.fj

New Zealand-based player Kelera Nawai.

Doors continue to open for Kelera Nawai after she was awarded a scholarship at the prestigious Saint Andrews College in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Seniteteva Netball Club president Lala Sowane helped arrange Nawai’s scholarship and shared their journey.
“It has been an amazing four weeks when we received the written confirmation of Kelera’s scholarship,”Nawai said.
“We are so grateful to so many people and organisations that have supported and been a part of Kelera’s journey, in particular, Wayne Harris of Go Conference & Incentive in Auckland and his sister, Leanne Harris who is the manager of the Canterbury Tactix.
“It was Leanne who managed to link Kelera up with the coaching team of the Tactix and St Andrews College. We are hoping that her story will inspire young Fijian netballers to work hard and strive for their dreams to push their netball talent as far as they can, in the same way our rugby talents have been recognised internationally.”
Sowane acknowledged the 16-yar old goal shooter’s parents for their support.
The Vatutu, Nadi lass has been turning heads since joining Seniteteva Netball last year when she gained recognition featuring for Lautoka during the 2013 Inter-District Championship tournament.
Nawai was picked by national selectors to be part of the Fiji Pearls training squad and featuring for Fiji A earlier this year.
The former Jasper Williams High School student’s growing netball career also caught the attention of the Executive Producer of popular New Zealand current affairs television program “Seven Sharp”.
A film crew was sent to Fiji to film her story and travelled with her to Christchurch to film her settling into her new school and boarding facilitie. Her story will be televised on Seven Sharp next week.
Nawai played her last game for Nadi powerhouse club Seniteteva on Tuesday night and boosted her side’s win against Lomaiviti in the Lautoka Netball Premiership.

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Fijian bodybuilder Zoheb Razak competing in Auckland, New Zealand last week.

Fijian bodybuilder Zoheb Razak won the Auckland Championship held at the Logan Campbell Centre last Saturday.
The show was split into two where over 1200 people attended and over 90 athletes competed. Razak said the Class One category he competed in was extremely close and had to be re-judged at the night show
“I competed in the Novice men’s 70-80kg and placed a very close second,”Razak said.
“ I also competed in the Open class men’s 70-80kg which I won. I competed in the final for the overall New Zealand bodybuilding title, I was the smallest person in that class at a body weight of 73 kg, the biggest guy was over 100kg and he just edged me out in the final.
“The win qualified me for the NZ nationals and the prestigious Arnold Classic Australia where Arnold Schwarznegger himself will be at the show.
“I did all my off- season training in Fiji at the USP gymnasium. Only the last six weeks, I moved to NZ to be closer to my trainer. All my off season training is always done in Fiji.
“I’m preparing for the NZ Nationals where I aim to bring a bigger and tighter package. The judging panel had some very encouraging words for me, i.e., my physique is the most pleasing and balanced physique they have seen in NZ bodybuilding for a very long time.”
The president of the New Zealand International Federation of Bodybuilding (NZIFBB) Moe El Moussawi, who is the only competitor from NZ to step on a Olympia stage, was one of the judges along with International Federation Bodybuilding (IFBB) Pro Sala Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee president Reg Sanday applauded Razak’s achievement yesterday.
“As a past president and now patron of Bodybuilding and Fitness Fiji congratulate Razak for his wonderful achievement,”Sanday said.
“He is an inspiration for local bodybuilders and is proof that any local who trains and diets correctly can make it in the big time.
“Razak if he was born in Fiji and lived for five years, he would be eligible to represent Fiji in next year’s Pacific Games in PNG. I hope he considers that as the competition will be tough from our neigbouring countries and to do well Fiji needs to field our very best.”
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Fiji Tribe team members at Nadi International Airport yesterday. The side departed for Melbourne, Australia, for the AFL International Cup 2014 (IC14). Photo: Sheik Dean

Australian Football League (AFL) Fiji teams, Fiji Tribe (men) and Fiji Vonu (women) departed yesterday for the AFL International Cup 2014 (IC14) in Melbourne Australia.
Both sides have set their eyes to win the first division.
But for the Fiji Vonu, this is their first competition on the international stage.
Fiji Vonu team manager, Lupe Wolfgramm says this is a proud moment for AFL Fiji to take part in the tournament.
She said the decision to take a women’s team was made after the 2011 International Cup after the men’s team managed to win the second division.
“It is through the hard work of AFL Fiji management that we are able to take a women’s team to compete against countries like Papua New Guinea, China, Japan, Ireland and Tonga,’’ she said.
Wolfgramm said the preparations for the International Cup started last year and is optimistic of achieving good results.
“We do note that the weather in Melbourne will be cold but we will not let that be an excuse.
“The girls have trained hard and will give their very best in Australia.”
Fiji Vonu takes on defending champions Ireland this Sunday.
Wolfgramm has thanked the Fiji National Sports Commission, CJ Patel Pacific Ltd, Colgate Palmolive (Fiji) Ltd, J R White, Wishbone and Holiday Inn for their support.

Feedback: sheik.dean@fijisun.com.fj

From left: Fiji Vonu team manager Lupe Wolfgramm with proud mother Mere Masi and her daughter/ Fiji Vonu team member Halamehi Tuilomani at Nadi International Airport yesterday. Photo: Sheik Dean

Disability has never been an obstacle for Fiji Vonu team member Halamehi Tuilomani, after she was identified by AFL development officers.
The 21-year-old teacher at Gospel School for the Deaf was elated when AFL development officers asked her to give a shot for a spot in the Fiji Vonu team.
The Kadavu native plays in the mids as a playmaker for the side and has not let her disability to become a hurdle for her and for her teammates.
Proud mother, Mere Masi said Tuilomani was always challenged at home to strive and not let her disability become an obstacle in life.
Masi said she was happy of her daughter’s decision to take up Australian Football League (AFL) as a sport.
“We were elated when she told us that she has been identified by AFL Fiji development officers,’’ Masi said.
She said her daughter has been playing the sport since 2011.
“Not only she has overcome her disability but she has set an example and made the disabled community proud. She is an inspiration to us all.
Masi is accompanying her daughter to the AFL International Cup 2014 (IC14) in Melbourne, Australia, as her interpreter.
The side departed yesterday.
Fiji Vonu team manager Lupe Wolfgramm said Tuilomani has bonded well with the players and is a playmaker for the side.
She said Tuilomani has made the disabled community and the whole nation feel proud.
Feedback: sheik.dean@fijisun.com.fj

Fiji Under-18 players, from left, Navitalai Navuni, Josaia Cokaibusa, Semi Tubacule Ebola virus and Alipate Wate during training at Uprising Resort in Pacific Harbour yesterday. Photo: Rama

Nadroga players in the Fiji national 7s team aim to prove themselves to the world at the Nanjing Youth Olympics which starts on August 17 in China.
Navitalai Navuni Ralawa, 18, a student of Sigatoka Methodist College believes representing the country is a perfect platform for him to prove his worth.
“I’m very happy and I feel excited to be part of this team,” Ralawa said.
“It has always been my dream to represent my country and this has finally materialised. I aim to play well and prove myself and aim for a spot in the Flying Fijians team in the future.”
The Nacamaki, Koro, Lomaiviti lock forward has been preparing well for the challenge. Hooker Josaia Cokaibusa, who plays for the BLK Nadroga U20 side, says the onus is on them to perform.
“The challenge will not be easy but we should be ready come game day,” Cokaibusa said.
“We plead for support from the people of Fiji to help us win gold medal.”
Winger Semi Tubacule, a sixth former of Sigatoka Methodist College, echoed the same sentiments and strongly believes the team can win gold.
“Situation like this would boost us to do well and right now we are aiming for nothing less but a gold medal,” Tubacule said.
His schoolmate and prop Alipate Wate Qaraniqio who is also a sixth former of Sigatoka Methodist College said their aim is to do the country proud.
“We are selected to represent our country with pride and aim to win,” Qaraniqio said.
The four were members of the Sigatoka Young Boys 7s team which took part in the 2014 Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament.
The trio, Cokaibusa, Tubacule and Qaraniqio hail from Nahigatoka Village in the Nadroga province. The team trained at the Uprising Beach Resort yesterday with only seven players after five players from Ratu Kadavulevu School withdrew to focus on the Coke Zero Deans Under -18 final against Lelean Memorial School next week. RKS principal Beniamino Tawake confirmed yesterday that the five players would not go to China.
“They have written a letter and delivered to the Fiji Rugby Union on Monday. The Coke Zero Deans U18 final is their priority,” Tawake said.

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

WAISEA NASOKIA
NADI
Michael Cheika has applauded Fijian player Taqele Naiyaravaro’s input in helping the Waratahs win the Super Rugby final.
The Waratahs edged Crusaders 33-32 to be the new champions.
He is the Waratahs head coach, and he is in the country with his family for holiday.
He said Naiyaravaro, who is from Yasawa, has become a top winger after switching from the Wests Tigers Rugby League Club.
“We have young players we have been growing from our own range and luckily we have Taqele who arrived from rugby league,” Cheika said at the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji resort yesterday.
“He made a great impact when he came from the West Tigers.
“I think he played five or six games, which is really good because he did not play rugby for a very long time. I think he is going to have a big season next year for sure.”
He said Fijian rugby players had great influence in rugby league yet have bonded well with the boys.
“I was really happy for Taqele for the season making friends and fitting in well with Folau (Israel) because he will be playing 7s in Europe next week.
“Fijian players have done well in Australia and here in Fiji. If they can be discovered then they can play in Super Rugby.”
Cheika said they had a fabulous season and it was very enjoyable. “We tried to play a good style of rugby and be able to go on and win the tournament with a big bonus in front of a big crowd which is very good for rugby in Australia,” he said. Cheika said they had set a high achievement for the next season and to make their fans happy.
“We want to have another season of playing good rugby and I think it is very important for us to play running and attacking rugby and working hard and see if we can be competitive,” he said.
“Sometimes you need a bit of luck as you saw in the final. We had a good season, but we won by only one point in the last minute.
“It was a bit of luck because if you work hard you will get that. We just want to play good rugby and make our fans happy.”
Cheika arrived into the country yesterday with his family for a holiday at the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji resort after the 2014 Super Rugby season.
He will be watching the Skipper Cup semi-final between BLK Nadroga and RC Manubhai Suva at Lawaqa Park today.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

WAISEA NASOKIA
NADI
More Fijians are expected to join Super Rugby franchise Queensland Reds next season, says former Wallaby/ Reds scrumhalf Sam Cordingley.
The Queensland Rugby Union general manager operations is in the country to scout for players in the first semifinal of the Skipper Cup 2014 between defending champions BLK Nadroga and RC Manubhai Suva at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka at 3pm today.
“I will go to the Nadroga-Suva match to have a look around; seeing what the locals have to offer,” Cordingley said.
“A lot of players have interest to play in New Zealand, so this is the first time for the Reds to be here in terms of talent identification. We are hoping to build some relationship with local Fijians.
“It is just to see the strength in the Fijian players, in the back three in particular. We’ve seen capable players in the backline who can make an easy transition to Super Rugby.”
The 38-year old said QRU had a long relationship with Fijian players like former Wallaby and Flying Fijians head coach Ilivasi Tabua and Radike Samo.
“There is a strong Fijian community in Brisbane in particular and the style of running rugby they play is fantastic. The big thing is the attacking flair the Fijian players have,” said Cordingley.
“Everyone in Australia knows that the Fiji 7s team, in particular like Waisale Serevi, as great exponents of the game.”
Current Fijians in the Reds squad are Samu Kerevi and Chris Kuridrani.
“Samu had some terrific performances during the season. He is a popular player among the group. We are hopeful to see him play many more games for Queensland,” Cordingley said.
He admitted that the Reds did not meet the standard set for the 2014 season. Cordingley has played against the Fijian U20 side during the Australian U20 tour to Fiji in late 1990s. He made his debut against Flying Fijians coming off the bench in Perth in 2007.
He labelled playing alongside the Rauluni bothers Jacob, and Mosese for the Reds among his best memories.
“We challenged each other for the halfback position for many years in Queensland. We’re still good friends. You can be competitive for the position and maintain a friendship after the career. So that was a great season.”
Cordingley earned 14 test caps for Australia and played for Swansea, Grenoble, Brumbies, Reds and Melbourne Rebels.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

JUSTINE MANNAN
sUVA

RC Manubhai Suva faces an uphill battle when they face defending champions BLK Nadroga in the Skipper Cup semifinals at Lawaqa Park today.
Suva coach Salimoni Ravouvou said no matter what happened in the preparation stages it was what the boys did on the day that counted.
“Going up against a champion team like Nadroga will not be easy and even though we are preparing well; it’s what happens on game day that counts most,” he said.
Suva beat Vatukoula 33-29 two weeks ago to clinch a spot in the semis.
“We struggled a bit getting into fourth place and we know it will be a different ball game facing Nadroga,” Ravouvou said.
“We need to make sure we play 80 minutes rugby.”
Ravouvou urged Suva fans to show up in numbers to support the team.
Feedback: justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj

Sheik Dean
Nadi

Swami Vivekananda College (SVC) of Nadi aims to topple Queen Victoria School in the Under-17 grade of the Coke Zero Deans Tier Two finals today.
The side has stepped back in action after a lapse of three years and coming out victorious as Western winners in the U17 grade has beefed up their hunger for a win at the ANZ Stadium.
The side defeated Dudley High School 12-8 to qualify for the final.
The Coke Zero Deans Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union Tier Two finals and Tier One playoffs will be held at the Bidesi and Buckhurst Park in Suva today.
Swami Vivekananda College head of Physical Education, Music, Arts and Culture department, Atish Lal said the side respects QVS and hopes for a good match.
“QVS is a renowned rugby school and we do not underestimate them, however we will give our very best,’’ Lal said.
“Preparations are going well and we have indentified some weak points and we have brushed it off so our opponents do not get an opportunity to capitalise on our mistakes.
“We have taken part in this competition before and reached up to the finals in the U15 grade of Tier Two in 2011.
“Now we are aiming for a spot in U17 grade of Tier One and I’m proud of the boys,’’ he said.
He said the boys were working closely with head coach Usaia Koroi and would give their very best for the finals.
“The boys have bonded well and stayed with the game plan which has seen us reach the finals.
“This win will be dedicated to the people of Nadi
Tier One: U15 Tilak High-MBHS; U16 Suva Grammar-St John’s College; U17 Nasinu Secondary-John Wesley College; U18 Suva Grammar-Navuso Secondary.

Tier Two: U15 RSMS-St Johns’ College; U16 Cuvu College-Ratu Navula; U17 QVS-Swami Vivekananda College; U18 Natabua High-Sila Central; U19 Assemblies of God-All Saints.
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From left; Fiji International chief liason officer Raman Dahia, Fiji International general manager Natalie Ritter, RC Manubhai director Rajesh Patel and RC Manubhai national operations manager Oscar De Mel at Natadola yesterday. Photo: Waisea Nasokia.

Fiji International general manager Natalie Ritter said over the past three months, Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course has undergone a lot of development.
“It will be different from any other tournament in the world. There will be a traditional Fijian feel for the general public and the sponsor,” Ritter said.
With only days to go before the unveiling of the Fiji International, organisers yesterday offered the media a sneak peak of the set-up for Fiji’s biggest sporting event.

R. C. Manubhai unveil tournament set up
RC Manubhai, one of the gold sponsors, yesterday unveiled the extensive infrastructure and set-up behind the Fiji International which has been constructed at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.
“Their expertise has allowed us to build the site that we have here to showcase Fiji and Natadola to the world,” Ritter said.
RC Manubhai has assisted with the tournament which included the installation of 500 metres of fencing, over 100 signage frames, three corporate hospitality bures and the 100 flag poles.
On-site facilities to house media, corporate guests, VIPs, administrators, officials and volunteers have also been built to service the operational requirements of the week-long event.
Now awaiting the arrival of players, VIPs and spectators, Natadola has been transformed into a sea of blue and white signage with organisers and RC Manubhai keeping a traditional Fijian feel to enhance the stunning Coral Coast backdrop.
RC Manubhai director Rajesh Patel said golf had been a top sport their company had been associated with.
“We’re very proud to be associated with an event of this size and stature,” Patel said.
“This tournament and the tourism it will bring is very good for Fiji and we’re proud to be supporting an event that can help grow and develop our country.
“We have now come on board the Fiji International which is the pride of this country. This is just the beginning. We are looking at the future and will look at next year’s sponsorship.”
Patel said they had been a major sponsor for golf in the country.
“The Ba Open has been our longest sponsored event which is over 45 consecutive years. It is a history.”
The Fiji International will be played at Natadola from August 14 – 17.
Boasting a US$1 million prize purse, the Fiji International is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia with players travelling from all over the world to compete.
Proudly supported by the Fijian Government, the Fiji International is expected to produce a multi-million dollar boost for the local economy, in addition to flow on benefits including the growth of the game in the region.
Fiji professionals Vijay Singh and Dinesh Chand and top amateur Sam Lee are among those playing.

Asco /AVIS ready to drive Fiji International
Also unveiled yesterday was the fleet of Asco Motors/AVIS cars which are ready to meet the transport needs of the tournament.
As part of the media tour, an extensive transport operation system is in place to ensure players and VIPs can get around Natadola Bay during their stay.
With the help of Pacific Destinationz, organisers have also employed a host of professional drivers to man the fleet of 10 vehicles during the tournament to ensure a premium hospitality experience for which Fiji is renowned for.
Signing on as a silver sponsor, Asco Motors will be promoted as the official automotive and car rental partner of the Fiji International.
Meanwhile, Fiji International have confirmed TOTAL (Fiji) Limited as a partner of the tournament.
As the official fuel supply partner, Total has joined the Fiji International as a silver sponsor.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Suva players Waisea Navunigasau (back) and Dave Radriga (right), celebrate Ravinesh Karan Singh’s (13) winning goal against Nadi during the Fiji Sun/Skipper Tuna National Football League match at ANZ Stadium last night. Suva won 2-0. Photo: Rama

What happened: The All Freight Logistics Suva soccer team remains on top of the Fiji Sun/ Skipper Tuna National Football League table with 27 points after defeating Nadi 2-0 at the ANZ Stadium last night.
The team got off to a strong start controlling play and stern on defence throughout.
Goalkeeper Emori Raqata, defenders Leone Damudamu, Waisake Navunigasau and national Under- 20 reps Kolinio Sivoki, Nickhil Chand played key roles in the win.
Suva drew first blood in the 18th minute through Chand as the capital side led 1-0 at halftime.
Fans of both teams braved the cold weather and turned up last night to cheer for their teams.
The hosts maintained the intensity in the second half as they defended their territory well.
Chand amazed the fans with his skills. Nadi only had themselves to blame for their poor defence which resulted in the second goal to Ravinesh Karan Singh in the 81st minute. Fulltime: Suva 2 Nadi 0.
Star turn; Chand played very well for Suva and put on another great performance.
Big play; Suva defenders played exceptionally well as they were able to stop Nadi from scoring.
Comments; Suva head coach Gurjit Singh said they will have to beat Nadroga tomorrow to qualify for the O-League.
“That’s very important game for us to beat Nadroga so that we can qualify for the O-League. Our boys played well against Nadi.”
Meanwhile, Nadi manager Kamlesh Sami said the loss has put them in a difficult position in the Fiji Sun Skipper Tuna National Football League.
“Suva played well in defence and it was through their counter attacks that they scored. We also know that this loss has put us in difficult position in the league.”
Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee received $6000 and $900 worth of meal vouchers from McDonald’s yesterday.

This is for Olympic Day Fun Run scheduled for next Friday.

FASANOC vice-president Vanessa Kilner applauded the assistance.

“This partnership engages the community and promotes the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect,” Kilner said.

“McDonald’s will also participate in promoting the Olympic Fun Day run which is estimated to have 2000 participants in both Suva and Nadi.

McDonald’s development partner Marc McElrath is happy to support the annual event.

“McDonald’s is again pleased to support and sponsor this special event,” McElrath said.

“I would like to thank FASANOC for involving us in this Olympic run and we look forward to supporting them in the future.

The Olympic Day Fun Run will be held on Friday in conjunction with the celebrations of the inaugural National Sports Day.

In Suva it will start and finishes at My Suva Park while in Nadi it will start and ends at McDonald’s.

 Feedback: luke.nacei@fijisun.com.fj

In rugby, as in many other sports, there comes a time where even the sturdiest of players must call it a day.

That time has come for former Flying Fijian star utility back and goal kicker Seremaia Bai.

In an interview with SUNsports yesterday, the burly Leicester Tiger’s centre said after 20 years of playing top class rugby, the time has come for him to exit the oh-so-familiar turf.

“It is true I will be retiring from all levels of rugby at the end of the season,” Bai said.

“Every rugby man will have a debut and a final match and now it’s time for me to leave.”

But while his brilliance on the field may be over, he has hopes in helping to develop Fijian rugby and has also turned this zeal on the field to business.

“I’m only 37 years old so retirement from rugby is not the end goal.

“The plan has always been to return home and I wish to tend to my farm and the other business I’ve started a few years back.

“Moreover I’m also looking forward to help contribute to the development of rugby in Fiji.”

Bai said there are lots of talented and potential rugby players in Fiji but they only needed to be given proper direction or if not he is ready to help put a system in place to cater and nurture their talents.

For the last 10 years, Bai has played for elite European clubs like Clermont, Castres and Tigers. He has won 50 Test Caps for Fiji, 2 Rugby World Cups and an influential figure on and off the pitch.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  stella.moresio@fijisun.com.fj

The Iliesa Tanivula-coached Telecom Fijiana 7s team aims to finish in the Top Eight in the final round of the 2015/2016 World Rugby Women’s Seven Series.

The side departed yesterday boosted with the back-to-back series title win in the World Sevens Series by the Ben Ryan-coached Vodafone 7’s team.

“We want to finish in the top eight but first we want to win our pool games,” he said.

“Definitely it was exciting to watch and congratulation to Ben and the boys. We will try to emulate their performance but there is a huge task for the girls and we will enjoy rising to the occasion.”

The side will face hosts France, Ireland and points table leader Australia and in Pool C in the Auvergne, France this weekend.

“We will take each game at a time and hopefully we get there. It is a tough pool but it is always good to come up against the best sides. Australia is leading the series and we play them first up,” Tanivula said.

He added debutants like Ebony Satala (winger) and Asena Roko (halfback) have proved themselves to be part of the team but more work is required for the Rio Olympics.

“There are couples of new players putting their hands up. Things are getting exciting as we get closer to Rio. When we get back the players will join the boys in camp at the Uprising Beach Resort which will be the final phase of preparations for Rio.”

Team: Brittany Coates, Talica Vodo, Ebony Satala, Jiowana Sauto, Viniana Riwai, Merewai Cumu, Miriama Naiobasali, Asena Roko, Rebecca Tavo, Ana Maria Roqica (c), Luisa Basei, Rusila Nagasau.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Namosi fullback Iona Tuivuna scored a brilliant match-winning try right on full time as they pipped defending Skipper Cup Champions Nadroga 19-18 at Thomson Park, Navua yesterday.

The Stallions were taken to the wire and had to surrender at the end to the gallant Namosi side.

What happened: Nadroga started on a high note with hooker Iliesa Leca scoring their first try to give them a 5-0 lead. Namosi with the backing of their vocal home crowd hit back with a try to winger Timoci Senaite, which was converted to give them a 7-5 lead.

Nadroga pressured Namosi into mistakes and at times tempers flared, this resulted in two penalties, which were converted by Nadroga first five eight Jonetani Ralulu to give them a handy 11-7 lead at the interval

Halftime: Nadroga 11-7

Nadroga started the match strongly in the second half and went further ahead with a try as Ralulu added the extra two points to lead 18-7.

Then it was all Namosi from there onwards and Senaite was again at his top form and scored his second try as Namosi trailed 12-18. The hosts never gave up before Tuivuna scored that brilliant try from a set move with Solo Drau’s conversion to give them a 19-18 victory.

Star turn: Tuivuna was the star for Namosi. The stylish fullback put up a gutsy performance to score the match winning try.

Big plays: Namosi forwards maintained their composure and stood their ground against  Nadroga.

Comments

Namosi manager Daniele Cakaunivalu praised his players for the win.

“This is one of the important victories for us and I thank my players for playing a good game. The players listened to our instructions which resulted in the win.

“We knew Nadroga would be hard to beat and we were prepared. We were positive of our chances in this competition and we will do our best to win our remaining games.”

Nadroga manager Apakuki Tuitavua said Namosi was a better side.

“The competition is getting tougher and we are surprised. We made a few crucial mistakes which resulted in our loss. Our next game is against Suva and it will be crucial for us and we have to win.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj

The man who topped the DHL Performance Tracker of the 2015/16 World Sevens Series is determined to make the 12-member team to the Rio Olympic Games in August.

Yesterday he was at the Vodafone Sigatoka Coral Carnival escorting the contestants to the stage.

Speaking to SUNsports, tireless Vodafone Fijian 7s forward Jasa Veremalua said he is taking a break but is continuing on his training at home.

“Rio is my ultimate goal,” the Korotogo native from Nadroga said.

When asked on why he was taking part in the carnival, he said, it means a lot to him since he grew up there.

“I’m now giving back to the community and I enjoyed preparing the stage with the Vodafone staff.

“This is also part of my break from training where I go out to meet the fans.

“Vodafone is doing something great in the community and we in Sigatoka always appreciate the carnival.”

In an earlier interview Vodafone Fijian 7s manager Ropate Kauvesi said they are on track for the Olympic Games in August.

“It has been a tough series as to be number one in the world with the Olympics at the end with other teams putting their hands up as well,” he added.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

Cook Islands top female weightlifter Luisa Fatiaki Peters is of Rotuman descent.

Yesterday she created history for being the first female to be named the vice-president of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation (OWF).

She is one of the three to take up the position.

The 22-year-old Peters, who represented Cook Islands at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, is a regional games medallist.

She is based at the weightlifting academy in New Caledonia, where she trains under renowned weightlifting coach Paul Coffa.

Speaking to SUNspots, Peters said she has been in the sporting industry for eight years and is excited about the journey ahead.

“It feels good, it shows that OWF is moving ahead by having females on board so I reckon it’s a good thing what they’ve done.

“I’m excited that I have been elected to be the first female vice-president and I hope to work with OWF in the next four years and help them in any area that I can,” she said.

To be part of a male dominated sport, she believes her election is a huge achievement for other young women who wish to follow in the same footsteps.

“I think it is great because many years ago this was a man’s sport but today you see a lot of females, so basically its nearly 50-50 so that’s a huge achievement.

“For young ladies who wish to take up the sport, weightlifting is a good sport and you should go for it. Don’t be intimidated by men because in this competition the women are just as strong as the men,” she added.

Peters mentioned a few years ago she wouldn’t have imagined taking up such a high position at an early age but believes this is just the beginning for other females athletes.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  stella.moresio@fijisun.com.fj

Defending champions Suva are on track to defend the Super Premier title of the Then India Valibar Sangam (TIV) Football Championship at Prince Charles Park, Nadi today.

The Allan Jesoni coached-side face Saweni in the first semi-final after they edged out favourites Rifle Range 1-0 in an exciting clash last night. In the other semi-final, Munit Krishna captained Malolo side take on Nadi in another torrid encounter.

In the premier grade Rewa face Sabeto while Vuda take on Nadroga. Defending champions Sydney take on Queensland while Nadi face neighbours Solovi in the Master category.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Marist Brothers High School bagged 27 gold medals securing their 8th consecutive win in the boys’ secondary schools category of the National Schools Swimming Championship.

The announcement of their win came an hour after the red and blue clad swim team had done a pre-empted victory lap around the Damodar Aquatic Centre’s refurbished 50-metre pool.

The boys from Flagstaff celebrated their win with their famous Red Fire chants rumbling through the centre.

And after the win last month at the secondary schools athletics Coke Finals, a huge celebration may just be in store for this all-boys school.

In the girl’s division, Swami Vivekananda College proved to be the best sweeping 30 gold medals retaining their title once again.

Runners-up International School Suva could not keep up bagging 12 gold medals.

Primary schools

In the primary school’s competition, it was a clean sweep for defending champions Mount Saint Mary’s.

They took home the girls and boys titles.

At the end of the final day of competition, the Martintar-based school won 20 gold medals, 12 silver and 7 bronze in the boys and 14 gold, 17 silver and 17 bronze in the girls. A total of 93 medals.

Tournament co-coordinator Patrick Bower said the event was a success having the installation of the electronic timing which the swimmers quickly grew accustomed to.

“We were extremely pleased to have the electronic timing as well as the score board which was something new for the National Schools Swimming finals, though there were several adjustments meant to take place but we got things synchronised and everything flowed well,” he said.

Edited by Leone Cabenitabua

Feedback:  stella.moresio@fijisun.com.fj