The Fire Rugby Club produced a spirited second-half comeback to beat Lomaiviti Black 24-18 in their FMF Suva Rugby Escort Shield quarter-final clash at the Suva Grammar School grounds on Saturday.
Down 15-0 at halftime, Fire showed grit and determination to turn the game around, outscoring their opponents 24-3 in the second half.
Team manager Vitia Bogi said the win was a result of sticking to their plan and refusing to give up.
“It was a really strong game,” Bogi said.
“In the first half, Lomaiviti Black led 15-0, but we didn’t lose hope or stray from our goal. We regrouped and came back strong in the second half to earn the win,” Bogi credited the coach’s halftime message for sparking the turnaround.
“I think the coach told the boys to stick together and stick to the game plan,” he said.
“We respect Lomaiviti Black, they’ve won titles in the Escort Shield division. For us, the last time we reached the final stages was way back in 2014, so making the semi-finals next week is special.”
With a semi-final spot now secured, Bogi said the focus will be on improving execution.
“We’ll work on our chemistry on the field and stick better to the game plan so we can come back strong in the semi-final match,” he said.
Bogi also thanked their supporters.
“We just want to take this time to thank the Fire Rugby team supporters for coming out to support us today.”
In other Escort Shield quarter-final results, FA & Co Eastern Saints edged DAG QVS Blue 32-29, Fresh’et Navy Blue won 31-25 over Covenant Brothers and Police Blues thrashed Army Green 30-13.
In the Koroturaga quarter-finals, Marist Blue beat Army Red 16-11, while Fresh’et Navy White defeated Vanuabalavu 33-13, Eastern Saints thrashed DAG QVSOB White 13-0 and Nabua White edged Covenant Red 34-20.
The semi-finals are scheduled for this Saturday.