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Yasawa wins Under-19 Vodafone Vanua Championship title
A classic type of rugby between Yasawa and Serua Under 19 teams kept the spectators at the edges of their seats as they witnessed the final of the Vodafone Vanua U19 final. Yasawa edged Serua 20-19 and was crowned the champions.
It was a see-saw battle in the first half as the two teams scored two tries each but Serua had the upper hand in the first spell as their fullback Penisemani Veibete successfully kicked both conversions to keep them in the lead 14-10 to the break.
In the second half, the two teams increased the tempo of the game to another level scoring a converted try each but it all came down to the final 10 minutes of play.
Serua had the advantage of a fast n furious backline but Yasawa gained momentum through their forward pack. A penalty to Yasawa at the 10-meter mark in the Serua territory gave Yasawa an opportunity to take the lead and outside center, Noa Rabici kicked the winning point which won them the match.
It’s a double celebration for these young Yasawa team as they earned a spot in the Skipper Cup competition next year and also as 2022 Vodafone Vanua Championship U19 champions.
Yasawa team captain Kitione Bari was emotional after the win and dedicated the victory to all Yasawa families who have been supporting them throughout the season.
“First and foremost I want to give the honor and glory back to God for the successful season,” said Bari.
“To all our families and supporters, thank you for believing in us and thank you for your support, we have won and we are going to follow our big brothers (Senior Team) up to the Skipper Cup. “