NORTHLAND last night defeated Tailevu in the Vodafone Vanua Championship final 8-6 to be crowned as B Division champion and also qualify for the HFC Bank Farebrother trophy challenge this year.
Northland captain and former Nadroga and national rep Iliesa Ratuva led his side to a nail-biting victory despite trailing 6-3 in the first half and into the dying minutes of the game.
Ratuva said his boys played courageously to secure the win.
“It was a hard fought battle from both sides and both teams played brilliantly, but hats off to the Northland side for maintaining pressure and coming out victorious in the end,” Ratuva said.
Tailevu coach and former Northland mentor Watisoni Ratulevu said his boys played well and they looked forward to participate in the major union next year.
Both teams will participate in the Bainimarama Challenge Shield that will include Yasawa and Lautoka.
