Avatiu has defended their Bula Swamp 7s title. SHALVEEN CHAND/ 26101106
Avatiu Eels successfully defended their Bula Swamp 7s title with a strong display in the four-team tournament on Saturday and see it as their first stepping stone as the team builds up to the Raro 7s.
The tournament was organised to mark Fiji’s 56th Independence Day celebrations by the Avatiu Bula team.
The Eels remained unbeaten in the round-robin play and made a strong statement as they beat Kuki Bula Brothers in the final.
Avatiu coach Clive Nicholas said it was a good outing that allowed him to test his players, with four teenagers getting game time.
“For the young ones, it was the first time they went up against men, so it was a good test. They got a taste of what the real game will be like and it also helps the players find out for themselves as to where they stand in terms of fitness,” Nicholas said.
“The main goal is the big one, Raro 7s, and thanks to our Fijian brothers organising this tournament, to give us a chance to see where we need to focus. It was a tough tournament.”
Nicholas is now looking forward to the tournament hosted by Tupapa this weekend.
Organiser George Fatafehi said the tournament will only get better, “I know it was short notice but I thank all the teams who showed up. Special thanks to Avatiu Eels for supporting us. We hope to make this tournament an annual event.”
Meanwhile, in the Bula Swamp Volleyball Competition, the Bounty Spikers successfully defended their title.
Fatafehi acknowledged the sponsorship of Cook Islands Steel, the Pickering family, Jessie Sword, OTR Night Club and Avatiu MP and Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas.