Jade House won the Jasper Wil­liams High School’s inter-house competition at Churchill Park, Lautoka yesterday.

The one and a half day meet was at­tended by ex-scholars, parents and teachers of the school.

Athletics team manager Kelera Ka­lou was proud of the girls for making competition a success.

“I salute the girls as they made the one and a half day meet a successful one,” she said.

“We acknowledge the Almighty for providing us with the weather and the athletes for showing what they are ca­pable of despite the short preparation time.”

She said the team’s goal in preparing for this year’s Coca-Cola Games was to give their utmost best in the first stage of participating at the zone meet.

She added the school would not re­lease names of prominent athletes who would be taking part in the na­tional meet.

“At the moment we are keeping a low profile but all I can say is that we will do our best to prepare our girls for the annual event,” she said.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

The Police side scored a re­cord 301 for 2 wickets in 20 overs during the round 11 of the Suva Cricket League at Albert Park in Suva yesterday.

Suva Cricket Association sec­retary Nishantha Fernando said unbeaten Army and Police are the top contenders of winning the 2018/2019 Suva Cricket League competition.

“It was a historic day as for the first time in the Suva Cricket league competition as Police reached 300 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

“They renew their own record of 273 runs in 20 overs by scoring 310 for 3 wickets against Sarafui,” Fernando said.

“Also Lakeba and VICC scored 141 each in their innings, so game went on to super over while VICC scored 16 runs while Lakeba scored 19 runs in their super over and sealed the win.

“This is the very first time any game went onto super over. Army leads the competition unbeaten af­ter 10 games.”

ARMY v MOCE

Moce all out for 65 runs in 14 overs while Army scored 70 runs without losing any wickets. Army won by 10 wickets.

NASAQALAU v ONO-I-LAU

Nasaqalau scored 102 for 9 wick­ets in 20 overs. Ono-i-Lau all out for 80 runs in 19 overs. Nasaqalau won by 22 runs.

POLICE v SARAFUI

Police scored 301 for 3 wickets in 20 overs. Sarafui all out for 19 runs in 10 overs. Police won by 282 runs

LAKEBA v VICC

VICC scored 141 for 8 wickets in 20 overs. Lakeba all out for 141 in 18 overs.

In super over VICC scored 16 runs falling 1 wicket. Lakeba scored 19 runs in their super over. Lakeba won the game.

BSP TITANS v KOMO

BSP Titans won by default

MOCE v ONEATA

Match abandoned due to rain.

-Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

Defending champions Ba will bat­tle rivals Labasa in the final of the 2019 Vodafone Women’s Inter-District Championship at Ratu Cakobau Park at 12pm today.

The Women-In-Black side thrashed Suva 9-4 in the first semi-final while Labasa walloped Tailevu/Naitasiri 9-0 in the sec­ond semi-final clash at the Fiji FA Acad­emy grounds in Vatuwaqa yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, Ba women’s football coach Naomi Cavasiga was over­whelmed with their performance and said they are confident of retaining the title to­day.

“We are excited for the win and the girls have put up a great performance today,” Cavasiga said

“Despite the wet and soggy ground the players still managed to prove themselves.

“Now that we have qualified to the finals we will make sure we defend that title as we are the champions.

“Reviving the competition after three years is a positive sign for women’s foot­ball in the country as we need more dis­trict level competition to allow upcoming players to get some exposure.

“We look forward to a tough game against Labasa in the final and are fully aware that they will come full prepared with more national reps playing for the side.”

– Edited by Osea Bola

The Suva City Masters football team will fly to New Zealand tomorrow to compete at the International Vet­eran’s tournament at Bill McKinlay Park in Auckand.

The annual tournament is organised by the New Zealand Fiji Football Incorporat­ed and attracts top veterans from across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Suva City Masters vice-president Amini­asi Bigitibau says the team will use the tournament as a platform to prepare for new veteran’s league season this year.

The team is made up of former district and national reps, including striker Ra­vuama Madigi and goalkeeper William Lasaqa.

“As of now, we’ve got about five pools of four. We haven’t got the fixtures yet but we are in pool C,” Bigitibau said.

“We are looking forward to a good run in Auckland against some very good teams and hopefully we can come back with a positive result.”

One of the team’s objectives this season is to promote health and wellness in the wider community,

“We would like to get more involved with the community so we can go forward to­gether,” the vice-president said

“One of the objectives of the association is promoting health and wellness in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which is part of the Government initiative.”

–Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team walloped Japan 34-5 in their pool opener of the Sydney 7s yesterday.

Japan dominated possession while the Fijians were trying their best to adapt to the cricket pitch at the Spotless Stadium.

Tries to Waisea Nacuqu and Ka­lione Nasoko saw the Fijians lead 10-0 at halftime before the Japa­nese narrowed the deficit to 10-5 with a try from captain Kameli Soejima.

From the restart, the Fijians ran in tries to Josua Vakurinabili (2) and a super try from Alasio Na­duva.

Coach Gareth Baber told Radio New Zealand that they often per­form well in the second week of a back to back and if they can re­peat their performance from last weekend they’ll give themselves a great chance of success.

“We’ve never managed that, cer­tainly since I’ve been here.

“To be able to put back to back tournaments together and for us as a group I know everybody will talk about winning but I’m talk­ing about getting the repeat of a performance,” Baber said.

SUPPORT

“As international athletes that’s all I really focus on is if we are able to repeat the performance that we put in last week then that’s the sort of consistency that’s showing from the way that we are with each other.

“The behaviours we show day to day, the work ethic we’re putting in, the support from staff in the FRU (Fiji Rugby Union)- all that sort of thing goes together to pro­duce these performances.”

He said they did not underesti­mate Japan because they under­stand that all teams are out to beat them.

– Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team fought gallantly to beat England 15-12 in the Chal­lenge Trophy final of the Sydney 7s last night.

Trailing 12-10, the Rusila Nagasau captained- side never gave up as they threw the ball wide to prop Asinate Savu to score the winning try.

“I’m so proud of them as it took us nearly two months to get this team together,” Lavenia Tinai said.

“I thank them for all their effort in this last game. We’ve had a good mixture of young and older play­ers. To win the trophy is big for us.”

However, England scored the first try in the 4th minute to winger Deborah Fleming for a 5-0 lead.

The Fijiana side fought back de­spite being a player down when Merewai Cumu got a yellow card.

Their continuous pressure saw substitute Tokasa Seniyasi score right on halftime as they were lev­elled 5-5.

After a strong pep talk by coach Saiasi Fuli, the Fijiana side went on the overdrive with burly Tinai crashing over on the corner for a try as they led 10-5.

England never gave up with Alex Matthews running in their second try which was converted for a 12-10 lead before Savu struck with the winning try.

The Fijiana finished off at 9th compared to 11th during the last leg in Dubai.

Fuli had indicated earlier that they were aiming for a top eight fin­ish as they slowly build-up for the remaining tournaments.

The former national 7s halfback recalled former captain Ana Maria Roqica, Rusila Nagasau and Tinai to boost their campaign,

The players were part of the Fiji­ana XVs side which won the Oce­ania Women’s Championship.

In the Challenge Trophy semi-finals, with tries to Cumu and Merewalesi Rokouono saw they beat China 12-0 while Papua New Guinea went down to England 54-0.

Meanwhile, in the 11th Place play­off China had too much firepower with a 31-0 win over PNG.

The competition conitnues today.

OTHER RESULTS

Challenge Trophy semi-finals: Eng­land 54-0 PNG, Fiji 12-0 China,

Cup quarters: New Zealand 17-7 Canada, Russia 5-7 USA, Ireland 22-7 Spain, Australia 21-17 France

– Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

Two early tries saw the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team edged out England 14-7 in their pool clash of the Sydney 7s last night.

That win saw the Kalione Nasoko-led side qualify for today’s Cup final The Fijians defended as England dominated possession but a loose ball saw a counter attack where Aminiasi Tuimaba scoring a runa­way try.

Leading 7-0, strong defence by Fiji’s captain Nasoko, Vilimoni Bo­titu, Meli Derenalagi and Sevuloni Mocencagi saw them keep their line intact.

A moment of brilliance for veter­an halfback Seremaia Tuwai who combined with Nasoko saw him go through to score the second try with Waisea Nacuqu’s conversion making it 14-0 at halftime.

Head coach Gareth Baber reiter­ated the importance of winning the re-start and to keep possession. A lapse of concentration from the Fijian defence saw winger Dan Norton alluding Tuimaba and run­ning past Tuwai for a try which Tom Mitchell as they trailed 14-7.

England rover Dan Bibby copped a yellow card for a professional foul that avoided Alasio Naduva from breaking away for a try.

In an earlier clash Japan scored an upset 21-17 win over Samoa.

Meanwhile, despite losing their pool games by big margins Tongan coach Tevita Tu’ifua said condi­tioning was a major challenge for his squad, with 11 of their 12 play­ers having made their World Se­ries debut a week ago.

“Sevens now is no easy game,” Tu’ifua who was once the Tonga assistant 7s coach to the late Etu­ate Waqa said.

“We had witnessed it in Hamilton and again here.

“We treat it as such so we are ex­pecting and we are loving the chal­lenge, so we are pretty much con­fident within our group the way we prepare and approach to this tournament.”

The Tongans are also building- up for the Hong Kong 7s where they will play in the Series quali­fication competition with the hope of playing in the 2019/2020 Series.

They’re confident of qualifying and joining Fiji and Samoa.

DAY ONE RESULTS

Scotland 7-10 Spain, New Zealand 27-14 Wales, Canada 24-14 Kenya, USA 7-0 France, Australia 14-29 Argentina, South Africa 45-5 Ton­ga, Samoa 12-24 England, Fiji 29-5 Japan, Scotland 12-26 Wales, New Zealand 41-0 Spain, Canada 12-17 France, USA 41-0 Kenya, Australia 32-0 Tonga, South Africa 25-10 Ar­gentina, Samoa 17-21 Japan, Fiji 14-7 England, Spain 21-5 Wales, New Zealand 42-0 Scotland, Kenya 17-40 France

– Edited by Osea Bola.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

United Kingdom-based Alisi Nawele is honoured to be part of the Fijian Pearls 25- member squad for the Net­ball World Cup which will be held in Liver­pool England on July 12-21.

The Nakawakawa, Wainunu, Bua native, who is attached to the Parachute Engineer Regiment in the British Army currently plays for Celtic Dragons in the Vitality Net­ball Superleague in England.

The midcourt player has been serving the British Army for the last 15 years and the second eldest in a family of five children.

Speaking to SUNsports from Wales yester­day, Nawele says she is delighted to be part of the squad.

“I feel honoured and blessed to be selected and being part of the 25 squad this year. I went for the trials when it was advertised on­line and got selected,” she said.

“I was also selected in 2017 and represented Fiji in the Europe Tour of Wales.”

The former Lelean Memorial School stu­dent is working on improving her fitness level and strength work.

“Working hard on strength and condition­ing, court work on skills and drills and more importantly to be injury free,” she said.

Nawele and Adi Bolakoro, who is in the Engineer Regiment of the British Army and also plays for Celtic Dragons, were both drafted in the 25 member squad.

BRITISH ARMY

British Army Sports tweeted: “Huge Con­gratulations to both Alisi Nawele 23 Para­chute Engineer Regiment and Adi Bolakoro 22 Engineer Regiment both playing for Celtic Dragons and named in the 2019 Fiji squad. Two inspirational ambassadors for the Army and their country #ArmyNetball #Fiji #ProudSappers.”

WILSON

The Fijian Pearls head coach Vicki Wilson said: “The two players play at the highest level of competition, the Superleague in Eng­land so they are in a high performance envi­ronment, they are working very hard.

“So we are working on communication with their coach so we can keep an eye on them on their vision of their games and of their training.”

Squad members Maria Lutua Rusivakula, Episake Kahatoka and former national rep Afa Rusivakula also played for the Celtic Dragons.

The Dragons franchise is based in Wales and has been part of the Vitality Netball Su­perleague since its inception.

The Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) is the elite netball competition in the United Kingdom and features 10 teams from across England, Wales and Scotland.

The on court vision for the franchise is to produce highly skilled, conditioned, think­ing athletes that can consistently compete at a high level, striving for international hon­ours.

Squad: 1. Taraima Mitchell 2. Matila Vo­cea 3. Laisani Waqa 4. Maliana Rusivakula 5.Unaisi Rauluni 6.Lydia Panapasa 7.Alisi Nawele(UK), 8. Maria Rusivakula 9.Cait­lyn Fisher ( Australia) 10.Nina Cirikisuva 11.Asilika Sevutia 12.Alisi Galo 13. Vere­naisi Sawana 14.Mereani Tuwai 15. Jacinta Lal(New Zealand) 16.Tahisha Hunt (Austral­ia) 17.Ana Cagi Moi (New Zealand) 18. Elenoa Gukirewa 19.Matila Waqanidrola 20.Episake Kahatoka 21.Ema Mualevu 22. Merelita Waqanidrola 23. Adi Bolakoro(UK) 24. Grace Korovata(Australia)

-Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

eedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s will take on de­fending Sydney 7s champions Australia today in the first Cup quarterfinal at the Spotless Stadium, Australia.

The Fijians topped Pool A after beating Sa­moa 22-12 last night while Australia edged past South Africa 29-21 to keep their title defence alive.

Fijian 7s winger Alasio Naduva said they were grateful to the Fijian supporters for backing them up. “Thank you for your prayers as the Almighty has given us the endurance and strength as we God’s power to win,“ he said.

Barring an upset the Fijian 7s team would meet New Zealand in the Cup semifinals. The Kiwis have been in top form scoring big wins against Scotland and Spain.

The Fijians face Australia at 1.16pm and New Zealand take on France at 1.38pm. Series champions South Africa meet England at 2pm and USA tackle Spain at 2.22pm.

LEONE CABENATABUA.

The Fijian Government and the Pacific Community (SPC), signed a Host Country Agreement, which will expand and enhance their collaboration.

The agreement will contribute to the achievement of Fiji’s national development priorities, while providing SPC with stability for its staff and offices in the country.

The Agreement was signed on Wednesday this week by the Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Hon. Inia Seruiratu and the Director-General for SPC, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva.

Speaking at his second engagement as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Seruiratu acknowledged SPC for its commitment and support to national development in Fiji, saying, “This agreement is another milestone achievement for Fiji as we pursue new levels of bilateral and multilateral engagement both regionally and internationally.

We will maximise opportunities for socioeconomic development through enhanced cooperation with SPC.”

The Pacific Community has a significant presence in Fiji, with offices dedicated to critical development areas such as geosciences, maritime, education, social development, gender, land resources and energy.

Fiji is also home to the SPC managed Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT).

Dr. Tukuitonga congratulated Minister Seruiratu for his new role as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and reaffirmed SPC’s commitment towards having a robust and constructive partnership.

The SPC Director-General expressed his delight in seeing the agreement come to fruition and highlighted how it will enhance SPC’s operational processes within the host country.

“SPC is grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Fiji.

This agreement will help us to enhance our processes and strengthen the programs we have with the Fijian Government in areas of fisheries, agriculture, human rights, gender and climate change to name a few,” Dr. Tukuitonga said.

Dr. Tukuitonga also congratulated Fiji on its achievement in bringing the voice and views of the Pacific to the world.

“The coordination of the COP23 process is a good example on how Fiji has increased visibility globally and regionally on the effects of climate change for small island states in the Pacific.

And Fiji’s recent representation on the UN Human Right Council has shown it is ready to play an important and influential role for the benefit of the entire region.”

Prior to the signing, Minister Seruiratu and Dr. Tukuitonga held a meeting and discussed issues including details of the Host Country Grant, SPC’s office accommodation and future initiatives.

The National Occupational Health and Safety Service (NOHSS) of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations has reviewed its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspections schedules to improve the timely issue of business license to employers and investors.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Hon. Parveen Kumar highlighted that this new initiative will clear any backlog of business license application with the National OHS Service and also with the local or rural authorities.

“The National OHS Service will now conduct business license undertaking annual compliance inspections and audits from November to Mid-December and not from December as initially practiced,” said Minister Kumar.

“This will allow the timely issuant of business license by the rural and local authorities to employers in early January every year.”

“This initiative will also enable better coordination between the National OHS Service and relevant authorities in reducing process turn around time and inconvenience to employers and investors.”

He added that for any new business undertakings, the National OHS Service will conduct workplace compliance inspections as and when required.

Minister Kumar emphasized that this process will not only improve our service delivery but first and foremost is to ensure that workplaces are OHS compliance in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work (HASAW) Act 1996 and its subsidiary legislations.

The following players are required to attend the Vodafone Fijian Under-20 trials at the Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Gym in Suva tomorrow.

All the players to bring playing socks, shorts, boots and canvas and to be at the HPU Gym for registration before 10am.

They are also requested to bring a copy of their passport or birth certificate and two passport size photos each.

Team Blue: Livia Natave, Tevita Ikanivere, Joseva Nasaroa, Apisai Senileba, Taniela Ramasibale, Vilive Miramira, Alivereti Loaloa, Vilikesa Ravutu, Mesake Tove, Simi Kuruvoli, Taitusi Lulusinu, Veresa Tuqovu, Alipate Waidilo, Epeli Momo, Kaminieli Rasaki

Team White: Meli Tuni, Jone Laqiri, Alfred Takala, Alivereti Navoli, Chris Minibi, Isaia Rugu, Timoci Kunabuli, Mosese Volavola, Samuela Buli, Osea Waqa, Osea Natoga, Etuate Cagilaba, Tiliesa Qera, Ilaisa Naiviqoronivalu, Vinaya Kunaturaga

Team Black: Josateki Tuitubu, Jovesa Baleiloa, Ilaitia Sela, Isoa Maravu, Sunia Vosavakadua, Inoke Korovakaturaga, Tiri Shaw, Joji Naivolasiga, Kavekini Naruku, Serupepeli Duru, Jonacani Bituleka, Jovilisi Raisili, Nemani Camaivuna, Tevita Senico

Team Grey: Kaliova Usa, Lino Vasuinadi, Lincolm Kuata, Penaia Rabonu, Viliame Tuivaga, Semesa Tamani, Vueti Tupou, Anulagi Miralolo, , Tevita Volavola, Josevata Nalaque, Josefa Takala, Setareki Navorua, Filimoni Navuda, Anare Lovobalavu, Kaminieli Rasuku

Team Red: Jason Monua, Peceli Drose, Ofisi Waibutu, Anasa Levaci, Petero Visawaqa, Sitiveni Kaila, Taniela Soqo. Serupepeli, Soqe, Peni Nanuku, Peni Salabiau, Ilimotasi Nawalu, Gidoen Colatanawake, Iferemi Ravoka, Lekima Vakatawatagi, Joeli Sadole.

Contact Viliame Gadolo on 8919363 for details.

-Fiji Rugby Union

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj

An emotional Arthur Simmons hailed his team’s tactical discipline as the Labasa football team claimed the Women Inter-District Championship title with a 2-0 win over Ba at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori  yesterday.

Ba came into the match as hot favorites – they were 10-0 victors the last time these two met- with few expecting Labasa to even put up a challenge.

But the northerners took a surprise lead mid-way into the first half after a defensive lapse allowed Sofi Diyalowai to get in behind the Ba backline.

Ba dominated proceedings thereafter but struggled to create anything meaningful in front of goal.

Labasa’s Stella Naivalulevu doubled their lead in the second half with a neat chip over Ba and national team goalkeeper Ateca Tuwai.

Ba’s free-scoring attackers, including national team forwards Luisa Tamanitoakula and Cema Nasau, were starved of chances by an organized Labasa defence.

Quick and incisive counter attacking play was a feature of Labasa’s game, as coach Simmons set out his team to try and tactically outmaneuver their opponents.

Simmons was content to absorb pressure for large parts of the match, instead choosing to rattle Ba with counter attacks that eventually proved the difference.

The coach’s tactics got further validation late on as Ba committed players forward in search of goals, leaving gaps for the Labasa attackers to run into.

This put pressure on the Ba defenders, forcing their attackers to retreat and help out in defence.

A red card early in the second to Sonali Rao, one of Ba’s more dominant attackers, gave Labasa the license to play with a bit more freedom.

But Simmons urged his players to maintain their tactical shape, wary of the wealth of attacking talent in Ba’s squad, including 14 national team players.

Nasau’s sending off for a reckless tackle late in the second half all but confirmed Labasa’s win.

Comments:

Labasa coach Simmons said: “We had to get our tactics spot on because Ba was the superior team and we had to respect that.

“To win against them is a great feeling because just last year they thrashed us 10-0. I congratulate my girls and everyone involved in the team.”

Ba team vice-president Merewai Turaganikeli said: “The better team won and congratulations to them.”

-Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj