ARMY Green broke a winless jinx in Wairiki when they lifted the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s trophy after a 21-5 defeat of Police Blue in the men’s cup final yesterday.
The men in green scooped the winning title after a tightly-contested match that began with Police drawing first blood earlier in the match.
Police’s early unconverted effort was all they could put on the try-line as Army sealed off any opportunities their opponents in blue had to advance further and flip the script.
Army Green’s assistant manager Jonetani Mudreilagi was a happy man, jumping for great joy as the final try by Army was scored under the goalposts.
In an interview with Times Sport, Mudreilagi was grateful for the victory the players had earned and credited the widespread support received in coming to the tournament.
“We are thankful that we were able to conclude our mission in Wairiki with a win today,” Mudreilagi said.
The win in Wairiki was an even more significant feat for the team, as he explained the long journey over the years to get there.
“Ever since the Wairiki 7s began, we have always taken part in it and this is the first time we lifted the trophy,” he said.
“I would like to thank all the players and the management for carrying out the work that we had to do and we give all the praise and glory to God for the win today.”
Army Green made their way to Wairiki this week on board the Goundar Shipping inter-island vessel MV Lady Daya and braved the 22-hour boat ride from the Narain Jetty in Suva to Taveuni.
Mudreilagi also thanked their families and their fellow army officers in military units around the country for their support.
They also walked away with $10,000 in prize money.
