@: Home / Sanyo Cup 2007
Rewa wins, qualifies for major grade
Fiji Times - Saturday, September 29, 2007 2:41 PM
REWA joins the big guns of rugby next year after they defeated Vatukoula 24-13 in their Sanyo Cup promotional relegation match at Post Fiji Stadium today.
Super Sub William Ravai’s second half try after the breather sparked a fierce Rewan attack that Vatukoula could not contain.
The Rewa flanker’s try set the pace for the Tebara team’s second half performance as they capitalised on Vatukoula’s second half errors.
Prior to the Ravai try, the game was locked at 12-8 and not going anybody’s way until the try.
When Rewa right wing Suliasi Vatulawa scored again the jubilant Rewa supporters knew the game was theirs and the path was open for their provincial side to join the top ranks next year.
Vatulawa’s try which was then converted by Fly half Livai Suguta pushed their points up to 24-8.
When Vatukoula realised they had to gain territory and seek penalties it was too late as the time was not on their side but managed to have the last say in the game for Manasa Vatuloka to score bridging the final gap to 13-24.
Rewa’s first half tries were scored by right wing Jale Kunarara and flanker Pita Rabuka while Vatukoula’s first half try was scored by Suliasi Cawanilawa and a penalty was converted by their skipper Emori Ratu. First half try was 12-8 to Rewa.
Rewa Tight head prop and team veteran Tevita Dere acknowledged that it was through team work and divine intervention that the Rewan’s were able to end up victorious.
The Lokia native who has played for Rewa since 1990 said he will still be around next to provide the experience to the younger players.
An emotional Rewa Rugby Union President Ro Macanawai Mataitini thanked the boys after the game on behalf of the Vanua.
Rewa chief Ro Filipe Tuisawau also spoke to the team after the game.
Their coach Jonasa Vueti also thanked the Vanua for the support and said the 7 years of trying had been difficult but reaffirmed that next year was another level of competition and the onus was on them to perform.
Vatukoula media liaison officer Semesa Lewai advised all not to write them off as yet because they were aiming to make a comeback in 2009.
“This is not the first time we have been in this situation. We will be going back to the drawing room and map out a strategy for our rugby campaign next year.
“Rewa capitalized on our errors and the game went their way,” Lewai said.
