We bid November with heaps of excitement, heading to the last month of another memorable year. December symbolism is a month full of beehive activities.
Families, friends do come together to celebrate endof-year events.
So, it shows the meaning of togetherness and a whole life experience that brings unity.
It has to represent the good things that life has for one.
Furthermore, it signifies the end of the year and the beginning of another one.
Fijians are looking forward to the climax of the World Cup football, the second leg of the HSBC WRSS in Dubai and Cape Town, the General Election on December 14, break-up parties and then Christmas and Boxing Day, before welcoming 2023 in the traditional style.
Dubai 7s set to go
Excitement is high. This weekend our men’s and women’s 7s teams go head-to-head against the giants on the HSBC WRSS circuit. The men’s 7s team finished second in Hong Kong, giving up the 17-10 lead. Lack of discipline and rushing things cost the 7s side valuable points and the Cup title as Australia scored tries in succession to grab the Cup after almost three decades. The joy on the faces of the Aussies spoke about their emotions in winning the HK 7s crown. The HK 7s final was a battle between the Melrose Cup holders and the 2021/22 HSBC WRSS crown. Our boys need to put that disappointment away and focus on winning the Dubai 7s which we last won in 2015. It’s been seven long years and the hunger to win should motivate Ben Gollings side to re-claim victory. Ironically, both our Dubai 7s titles were won by another Englishman Ben Ryan. For Fiji to win, the equation is simple. Cut down on the error rate, improve our discipline, score tries near the posts to make the conversions easier, make tackles count and avoid the ‘rush game’ when in the lead. One will notice that when the All Blacks 7s and the green machine from South Africa are in the lead, they control the tempo of the game, slow things down, and play to their rhythm. These frustrate the opponents. Had Fiji done these against Australia at So Kon Po and converted their three tries, the side would have edged the men in green in gold by a single point. Fiji faces the everimproving Pumas and the All Blacks 7s in two grinding pool matches before the Cup quarterfinals, and the boys cannot afford to put their guards down. Maximum points must be taken, heading to Cape Town. For me, I’d love a perfect birthday gift this weekend, hoping for the Dubai Cup.
Down memory lane – Fiji’s wins in 2013 and 2015
In 2013, a glorious Fiji 7s team won its first Dubai 7s title. On a thrilling night of rugby 7s Fiji beat first the All Blacks 7s 44-0 and then an injury-hit South African outfit 29-17 in the Cup final. Fuelled by the support of an appreciative Dubai crowd, Osea Kolinisau, Pio Tuwai, Benito Masilevu and player of the tournament Samisoni Viriviri inspired the islanders to victory in round two of the HSBC WRSS. The emphatic victory handed a third Dubai Cup title in four years to new coach, Ben Ryan, and his first piece of silverware for Fiji, who sat four points behind WRSS leaders the All Blacks 7s with South Africa a further point back in third. In the semi-final, Ryan’s side blew the Gold Coast 7s champions the All Blacks 7s away, inflicting the heaviest defeat on NZ. Two years later, Fiji romped home 28-17 with Cup final triumph over England. Fiji scored all of its points in the first half after falling behind to an early Tom Bowen try. Savenaca Rawaca, Jasa Veremalua, Jerry Tuwai, who had suffered a bout of food poisoning overnight and had been on a drip before the action, and Isake Katonibau grabbed Fiji’s four tries for a 28-7 lead at the break. Since 2015, Fiji has failed to win in Dubai, with South Africa winning most crowns.
Read as much as possible
I never miss reading stories, which are published in the weekly Kaila newspaper, as they inspire and warm the hardest of hearts. One story that inspired was the generosity of the Fiji book drive charity organisation for helping more than 170 schools around the country by donating books for their libraries. Vinaka vakalevu to the founder and CEO Fiona Luth for starting the book drive! Fiona shared how she wanted children living in remote areas in Fiji to experience the pleasure of reading stories from around the world. As a former English teacher, she knew about the importance of reading books, and I salute her for reaching out to as many schools as possible with storybooks. Reading is a beautiful habit, and we must encourage our young ones to read as much as possible! With the school holidays fast looming, it would be ideal for parents to invest in storybooks and ensure children read them. Reading will broaden the horizon of our children and make them critical thinkers. Writing essays and narrative pieces will improve as they will have ideas to write which will make their writing an interesting piece to read.
Simon Hazelman will be missed
I was saddened to read about the passing away of a prominent contributor to the letters to the editor column. The name Simon Hazelman will be remembered forever for his solid contributions. Simon did not hesitate to express his opinions which culminated in him winning the weekly and monthly letters to the editor awards. Simon was on dialysis, and via this column, he often shared his experiences, and one of his letters also won an award. I looked forward to his writings which provided a deep insight into many components of life. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Noleen Billings Hazelman and her family on the loss of our beloved writer! To Simon, thank you for your contributions. Rest high champ!
Sharing the joys of the festive season
The COVID-19 pandemic had a drastic impact on the lives of Fijians. Many families continue to struggle to put food on the table, and many will have to dig deep to afford the necessities during the festive season. Hence, it is important that we share whatever little we can with the needy and unfortunate. It touched my heart to read about corporate organisations which lit many lives by contributing generously to their coffers. The real essence of the festive season is bringing a smile on the face of an unfortunate person who longs for something that the rich can afford. The cost of living is unbearable, and I can imagine the pain and suffering that ordinary Fijians are going through to meet basic needs and wants.
A special 2nd December
December 2 is a special day for me. As I celebrate my birthday, I thank my parents for moulding me into who I am today. My parents instilled in me values of respect, empathy, kindness and compassion. I was taught to respect my elders and work hard to achieve excellence. We did not have the luxuries of life, but struggled to achieve good marks during our school days as we leant to value the education system and our teachers. As a teacher, I try my level best to instill the same values in my children. I’m also grateful that The Fiji Times has become an important part of my life. My journey with The Fiji Times started way back in the 90s, when I took keen interest in sports. Writing letters via the letters to the editor column started in 2014, and since then I have never looked back. I hold this newspaper close to my heart as I believe in the principles of this newspaper which is firm and steadfast as far as media ethics and principles are concerned. I respect this newspaper for upholding the ideals and values of journalism, and I salute the management, general manager, editor-in-chief, subeditors, journalists, reporters and the staff for coming all the way to 2022, and doing what The Fiji Times has done for the 15 plus decades.
• RAJNESH LINGAM is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are the author’s and do not reflect the views of this newspaper.
