Tailevu rewards Vuli

Fiji Times - Sunday, December 16, 2007 8:57 AM

JAMES Vuli received the top honours at the Tailevu Rugby Awards ceremony, when he was named the provincial unions Player of the Year for sterling performances throughout the Farebrother Sullivan trophy challenge matches.

Held at the Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, the Tailevu Rugby Union hosted guests at the rugby celebration, with Nausori acting Mayor Yogeshwar Singh attending as chief guest. Vuli had proved to be a nemesis for many rugby teams over the years and the 28-year-old was the home teams lucky charm in the Farebrother Trophy challenge matches this season.

Vuli showed his abilities against former holders Nadroga to mastermind the downfall of Fijis top ranked team.

With an educated right boot, the Kuku Rugby Club player also played an instrumental role defusing the challenges from Ovalau, Naitasiri, Lautoka, Suva, Nadi and Tavua.

Vuli beat off stiff competition from his team mates Wate Vocevoce, Uraia Tuidamu and young hooker Saula Qalomai.

Jim Patrick, the super sub who scored the winning try against Suva, picked up the Best Try of the Year award.

Patrick came off the bench against Suva to help Tailevu scrap through to a 25-22 famous victory at the death.

Prop and veteran of the side Sunia Sevu picked up the Top Try Scorers Award.

Malakai Bakaniceva earned the pick for Most Disciplines Player Award, while Uraia Tuidamu was named the Most Dedicated Player.

Qalomai, who was named Fijis Best Junior Player, picked up his second award of the year as the Best Developed Player. Qalomai is aiming to earn a spot in the Fiji under-20 side to the IRB Junior World Cup in Wales next year.

Team captain Jone Kaila, picked up the Best Leadership award while Jolame Kaila was named the Best Referee.

On the domestic front, the Nausori Rugby Club picked up the premier and senior titles.

Tailevu Rugby Union president Ratu Lepani Tagicakibau said the players were treated to entertainment and lunch. He said they were looking towards a good outing next season.

We started the season off on a low note but finished off strongly.

The season has been rewarding, Tagicakibau said.

A lot of thanks must go to the players and the hard working committee.

Tagicakibau said the new season looked bright with some business houses wanting to join hands with the union.