Flame Tree Waimanu Green is the new winner of the first leg of the Flame Tree Waimanu 7s, after they defeated Vunimono Eels 15-12 at the Sawani Primary School ground in Naitasiri on Saturday afternoon.
The scoreline implied a closely contested match where both sides exhibited a passion and a pursuit for victory, marvelling spectators from nearby communities in the Sawani area.
Meanwhile, the tournament concluded after a brilliant day of rugby, with fine weather throughout the day.
Games director, Jone Turaganiqali, revealed there were 13 out of 16 men’s teams alone from the Naitasiri area, and the remaining three were from outside the area.
He applauded the three women’s teams who were the Sinukakala Amazons from Nasinu, the Seahawks, and the Capital Insurance Nuku team, and the range of rugby talent on display at the school ground yesterday.
“There are also some good rugby talents we’ve seen from these young boys, and we only wish that some of the selectors from the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) were here to pick some of these boys who are participating,” he added.
He also expressed his thanks to their sponsors, Flame Tree Development Fiji Limited for their sponsorship of the tournament and giving back to the community as well.
Noting the success of last Saturday’s leg, Turaganiqali also revealed there were plans with their sponsors Flame Tree, to move next year’s tournament to the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The next leg of the three-part series will take place on November 9.
