Saru Dragons are the new champions of the Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Super 8 competition after dethroning last year Nadera Panthers 10-8 in the final yesterday.
The westerners survived a close scare from the Panthers but held on to a two-point lead to be crowned champions at Albert Park in Suva.
The Dragons scored a try in each half. Despite many desperate attempts by the men in black, the Panthers only managed to cross over the Dragon’s line once.
In addition to this, they managed to convert two penalty kicks to add to their tally.
The Panthers kept fighting in the dying minutes of the game, staying camped in the Dragon’s 20-metre line.
Dragons team manager Petero Nacolatabua said the win in the final was a testament to the boys’ hard work and determination over the past few weeks.
The win sees Saru Dragons finish this year’s competition undefeated.
“At the beginning of the competition, the goal has always been the same, and that was to bring the trophy back to the West,” he said.
“The boys have sacrificed a lot and have put in the hard work for the past few weeks, and they came out here today and showed what they’re made out of.”
He said their determination and perseverance were tested in the last five minutes of the game, where the Panthers camped in the 22-metre line.
“The boys held them off very well. “Since it was just a two-point difference, a try for the Panthers would have given them the win.
“But the boys held on and showed them(Panthers) what they’re made of.”
Both teams went into battle in the finals last year, but it was the Panthers that came out victorious 16-10.
Two buses of Saru Dragon fans travelled from Lautoka to support the team, and their trip to the Capital City was not in vain.
“We thank all our supporters who travelled all the way from Lautoka just to be here.
“This win is for you and all the people of Saru.”
