Lomaiviti Rugby Club walked away with pride after a hard-fought win over Nabua 13-7, claiming both the Esala Teleni Shield and the Rauluni Trophy in round nine of the Suva Rugby Union club competition.
Head coach Kalisito Tunaulu said the win was the result of weeks of hard work and discipline.
“The boys played exceptionally well today, and this is the fruit of the hard work they’ve been doing for the last three weeks,” he said.
“We haven’t had any games, so we worked on what we can control. We were preparing, and what the boys did today, that was just the fruit of their labour. Today is the day of harvest for us.”
The Esala Teleni Shield is named after a former Fiji and Suva rugby representative.
The Rauluni Trophy is contested every week, whenever Lomaiviti plays Nabua, in honour of the Rauluni family, who are originally from Lomaiviti but played for Nabua.
Tunaulu said while winning the shields was a bonus, the team had set bigger goals earlier in the year.
“The goals we have set is to believe in the Lomaiviti brand, believe in the Lomaiviti culture. We have our processes and systems, and trusting that, the outcome will take care of itself.”
He said one key lesson from the match was about field discipline.
“We shouldn’t be playing a lot in our half. Even though we were leading, the game could have gone the other way.”
Two more rounds remain before the competition moves into the quarterfinals. Lomaiviti Black is focused on keeping its form as it pushes toward the playoffs.
Meanwhile in the FMF Suva Escort Shield, FA & Co Eastern Saints edged Lakeba 33-32, while Covenant beat Naqarani 29-27.
Nasinu and Suva Stallions won by default over Tovata and Navakavu.
Fresh’et Navy defeated Lami Cavaliers 36-20, and Fire overcame RKS Old Boys 21-14.
In the FMF Koroturaga competition, Covenant Red beat Nasevou 28-22, and Marist Blue outclassed Qauia Green 32-15. Lomaiviti Green vs Namuka i-Lau (17-17) and Vuna Brothers vs Mau (13-13) ended in draws. Dag QVS White beat Vanuabalavu 31-21.
