A year of hard work and dedication by the Newtown rugby team finally paid off when they defeated Police White 10-5 in the final of the Koroturaga competition at Albert Park in Suva yesterday.
The Newtown team, comprising mainly of unemployed youths, defied all odds when they upset a much-fancied Police side.
Two tries in each half to speedy wing Mataiasi Nabuta saw Newtown win its second title in the Suva rugby competition for 2012
Police had scored the first try before Nabuta sneaked in to level scores 5-5 in the first-half.
The Buca lad sealed the game with his second try late in the second-half.
The team holds the Koroturaga weekly challenge title.
Team manager Moape Junior said they had achieved what they wanted this year.
Moape said it was the hard work of all players in the team which enabled them to upset the strong Police side.
"First, we want to thank God for the victory because we know He was there for us when we needed him in the ground," Moape said.
"I cannot single out a particular player but I can say all the players that played in the final were outstanding.
"We knew Police White would be very strong because they get paid to train but for our boys we play for the love of rugby.
"We now look forward to playing in the Escott Shield competition next year and the boys are really looking forward to it."
Moape said the win yesterday would also be a blessing in disguise as it might help them secure a sponsor for the team as 80 per cent of players in the team were unemployed.
"This win is special for us and the boys are enjoying it," Moape said. The new champions don't have a proper ground and they have to walk up to Valelevu everyday to train.