History has been created as First Light Taveuni has been crowned new champions of the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast 7's.
Taveuni surprised the whole rugby fraternity after beating Wardens 12-10 in the final at Lawaqa Park this afternoon.
Wardens applied pressure from the first whistle but it did not take long for Taveuni to get the ball.
Leone Lomaloma broke through from the Wardens’ 10m line to get the first try after getting an inside pass.
Taveuni applied pressure and kept hunting in Warden’s territory.
This paid dividends and Lomaloma again raced to the try-line to score the second try.
Wardens got a try just before half-time through Josua Kirinabiu.
Taveuni led 12-5 at half-time.
Wardens started the second half well and did the basics right to get their second try through Kelepi Namoua.
But, the young Taveuni outfit knew well how to keep an experienced Wardens at bay for the remaining six minutes of the second half and kept the score at 12-10 in their favor.
Lemeki Tulele, Josefa Moceiwai, Ale-tesio Vakarorogo and Emosi Vucago put up a good performance for Taveuni.
Taveuni’s Manager, Qiolele Moresio says they were determined to win this prestigious tournament.
He says it has cost them around $6,000 to bring their team from Taveuni and all the players have made big sacrifices to reach Sigatoka.
Moresio says the $20,000 prizemoney will be used wisely as they want to develop their players for overseas contracts.
Earlier today, Taveuni came from behind to snatch a 17-10 win over Yasawa in a nail‑biting second semi-final.
The crowd at Lawaqa Park backed Taveuni throughout the match as the young outfit surprised all with their determined performance.
Wardens had defeated Army 19-5 in the first semi-final.
