VODAFONE Fiji 7s rep Mesulame Kunavula helped his Tovolea side defeat Gaunavou 27-23 in the Nadroga Rugby Top 16 Challenge and successfully defended the Ka Levu Shield at Lawaqa Park last week.
The lanky forward played a grand game at number eight winning aerial contests and teamed-up well with former Fiji 7s rep, Jiuta Lutumailagi to help his Nadroumai-based team overcome its first challenger.
But it was also a hard fought win for Kunavula and his teammates as the Nasama-based side played their hearts out in their quest to wrest the coveted rugby jewel.
Former Fiji 7s rep Isimeli Koniferedi was also in top form for Gaunavou, but his effort failed to deter the champion Tovolea side from winning.
The two teams met in the final of the Top 16 competition which was won by Tovolea.
Tovolea will defend the shield against Police in the next challenge.
Meanwhile, former Fiji 7s rep Ratunaisa Narukutabua scoredthe winning try to help his Lomavata side wrest the Tui Vusu Trophy from Vuhama in the first challenge of the Nadroga Rugby Pro D2.
