Crusaders win Colonial Cup

Fiji Times - Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:49 AM

Waisea Luveniyali is ready to stake his claim as the number one flyhalf in Fiji after producing a man of the match performance in the Colonial Cup final yesterday.

The Nadi-based Pacific Flying School student helped Crusaders create history after edging Knights 16-15 at Ratu Cakobau Park.

"I'm happy with my performance. Our win was through team effort," Luveniyali said.

"There are a lot of people vying for the Fiji jersey to the next world cup and if given a spot in the Pacific Rugby Cup, I'll give my best and rise to the challenge." The 22-year-old Kasavu rugger who skippered Queen Victoria School to win the Deans Trophy in 2004, was Crusaders first choice fly-half this season.

Flying Fijians head coach Ilivasi Tabua said Luveniyali is a young player with so much potential.

"He reads the game well, he'll grow as he gets himself involved more and that's the sort of players we want especially being the first receiver. He is the one that controls everything," he said.

"He (Luveniyali) thinks on his feet and he surely thinks well," Tabua said.

A late converted try from inside centre Vuniani Bari saw Crusaders upset Knights yesterday.

Bari sliced through the Knights defence in the 69th minute to touch down close to the posts, and Dan Rawaqa, who played an outstanding game at fullback, converted to win the game.

The Vuda lad scored 11 of his side's 16 points including an early dropped goal from 40 metres.

First-time finalists, Knights put on a valiant display and took a 15-9 lead in the second half courtesy of a penalty try.

Knights livened up the game with a try to Saula Radidi, but the Crusaders edged their way back into the game through the boots of Rawaqa to take a 9-8 half-time lead.

With both teams hungry for a win, the second half match intensified with a few scuffles resulting in Knights skipper Senirusi Seruvakula sin-binned for throwing punches at Crusaders winger Vima Tuidraki.

Tuidraki also copped a yellow card for retaliating.

Laden with experience in the backs and forwards, the westerners showed in the end they had enough to take the title with a converted try and three penalties.

After two finals since the tournament began in 2004, Crusaders skipper Aporosa Vata became the first to successfully stamp their mark as the franchise champions.

"It's a sweet win and I take my hat off to my fellow players for stepping up to the challenge," he said.

Lost for words, winning coach Iliesa Tanivula said communications was their main strength.

"We came in the game with a positive mind set confident to win and it's a special day for these boys," he said.

Gracious in defeat, Knights coach Etuate Waqa said they gave Crusaders a good run but made the most mistakes. "Basic mistakes, handling errors cost us big time and we made couple of wrong decisions," he said.

KNIGHTS: Iliesa Keresoni, Nacanieli Nabobo, Saula Radidi, Sisa Waqa, Timoci Naqusa, James Vuli, Kelemedi Bola, Senirusi Seruvakula, Sairusi Kadi, Wate Vocevoce, Peni Tora, Keverieli Bulivorovoro, Sisari Tagivakatini, Vereniki Sauturaga, Sakeo Latianara

CRUSADERS: Taniela Rawaqa, Vima Tuidraki, Tevita Latianara, Vuniani Bari, Savenaca Waqa, Wise Luveniyali, Aporosa Vata (capt), Aca Bibi, Aminiasi Nava, Seta Ratatagia, Mo Natuilagilagi, Ifereimi Naruma, Viliame Seuseu, Aseri Buli, Sikeli Gavidi

Reserves: Joeli Lotawa, Paulo Cata, Jona Tavai, Kelepi Ketedromo, Semi Keli, Sunia Vata, Asaeli Driu.