THE CK’s Ezy Buys Tabadamu 7s team claimed the Rara Methodist Circuit 7s tournament at Naluwai grounds in Naitasiri over the weekend after defeating Uluinakau 17-10 in the cup final.
Laced with experienced players such as Setefano Cakau and Nasoni Roko, the Emori Waqa-skippered side proved too strong in the two-day event.
Tabadamu forced their way to the top after downing Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s champion Wardens Gold in the semi-final.
Uluinakau defeated First Landing 12-5 in the other semis to book its spot in the final on Saturday.
Vodafone Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan who was in attendance described the final as a show of endurance and brilliant skills.
“I must commend the organisers for the outcome of the two-day tournament and staging such tournament in the rural area where we can see first-hand raw talents in the highlands,” Ryan said.
Earlier in the day, Rokoikuru took out the Bowl title after a nail-biting final with Lakeside in which the former dominated in the set piece play to defeat its fast-paced opponent.
Waimanu, with the service of former 7s player in Neumi Nanuku, leading the side to outplay Rara 21-7 to win the Plate.
Meanwhile, according to church elder Naivaluone Turaganibuli, the main aim of the tournament was to bring out the talents in the circuit.
“Apart from fundraising, our aim is to showcase the talent in the surrounding areas and expose them to major teams from around Fiji.
“That is why we are advertising the tournament in the newspaper and radio to attract big teams,” Turaganibuli said.
“Even though we have some setback as some teams pulled out in the eleventh hour, all in all we are happy with the achievement we have today and having Ben Ryan is a bonus to us.”
Emori Waqa was picked by Ryan as Player of the Tournament.
Organisers are planning to make the Rara 7s an annual event.
