As the 1st Fiji Bitter Serua 7s draws closer, participating teams are now making final touches and preparations to their sides as they get ready to battle it out this weekend at Thomson Park in Navua.
Among these teams is the St John Lomary Rugby Club.
Not only do they plan to compete at the historic 7s tournament, but they also intend on creating history by becoming the tournament’s first title holder.
St John Lomary head coach Semisi Turagavakaca said they knew that prominent teams such as Police and Tabadamu were also competing, but they were ready to put their lives on the line.
“The boys have been training for the past month now and we are excited to run onto the field against any team put up against us,” he said.
Though they have competed at many local 7s competitions in the past, they have never had the chance to expose their talent.
“Yes, we have participated in other tournaments but were unable to make it past the pools,” Turagavakaca said.
Entering the competition as underdogs, the men from Serua are adamant they will make an impression of what they have to offer.
“The Fiji Bitter Serua 7s is considered like a diamond to us. Since it is on our vanua, all the players here crave to win the competition and make history as winners of the first Serua 7s.”
Turagavakaca said like every other team, there were challenges they faced on a daily basis.
“Sometimes, a few players will have to miss training because of work commitments and other things like village duties.”
With the majority of the players from Galoa Village, Turagavakaca said winning the Fiji Bitter Serua 7s title would bring joy to their tikina.
“We know it will not be easy but it is possible. And with God’s help, we can achieve anything.”
The tournament kicks off on Friday with the finals on Saturday.
The Serua Rugby Union will be hosting the competition where 40 men’s teams, 18 women’s teams and 12 under-12 teams have registered to compete.
In the men’s division, a prizemoney of $5000 will be handed to the cup winner while the runner-up will walk away with $2000.
In the women’s and under-21 men’s division, cup winners will receive $800 while the runner-up will settle with $400.
Tickets will be sold at the park.
Tickets for adults is $5, and children’s $2.
