LABASA showed true class and have made their intent known as contenders for the Inter District Championship title after thrashing Rewa 3-0 at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.
Supposed to be a tight match, the clash between the Fiji FACT champions Labasa and Battle of the Giants winners turned into a one way affair as the Babasiga Lions backed by home support were on top of their game.
The victory was also the best birthday present for coach Bal Sanju Reddy who turned 48 yesterday.
Rewa, with the same line-up from BOG, faced a new look Labasa side with younger players taking centre stage guided by Taniela Waqa and Pene Erenio from the back.
Labasa drew first blood as Ilisoni Logivou smashed in a defensive header hurled towards him.
Rewa goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau had no chance.
The teams went into the break with just the goal separating them. After the break, it was Labasa who looked hungrier and this time Christopher Wasasala was on the mark as he doubled Labasa’s lead.
Labasa striker Ravinesh Karan Singh, who had not scored in recent games, managd to slide one past the Rewa defence as Edwin Shayam and Taniela Waqa set up Singh through a cross.
The goal almost looked like an own goal but it was Singh whose shot on its way inside defelected off Rewa defender Simione Maikali’s leg.
An overjoyed Labasa coach Reddy said the boys’ win was his perfect birthday gift.
Reddy labelled the match as a good start for the side adding that they would have to pick up from yesterday’s victory and move forward.
Reddy said they expected a tougher match against Ba at Govind Park next week.
“I am happy with the boys’ performance but as a team there is still room for improvement,” he said.
“The team’s morale was high and they really did work together to win this game.
“I identified some loose ends that we need to fix and this needs to be done before we meet Ba next week on Wednesday.”
Meanwhile Rewa coach Marika Rodu said his side needed to restrategise after yesterday’s match.
Rodu said that the boys failed to deliver during their match against Labasa yesterday adding they needed to improve their defence and ball handling tactics.
