Raiwai opening
THE Raiwai Volleyball Association is aiming to start the 2012/2013 season with a successful opening knockout tournament tomorrow. Association president Francis Lanyon said the tournament would be held at the Eagles Court at the Nairai Top grounds and all registered clubs are welcome to compete. “The prizemoney for the winners will be decided by officials after we see the number of teams that participate,” Lanyon said. “And straight after the tournament a meeting will be held to discuss our season plans and all association members, officials, and players are requested to attend,” he said. Registration fee is $20 per team.
Ragata down
SUVA soccer team goalkeeper Emori Ragata has been ruled out of all levels soccer for the next two weeks. Team coach Gurjeet Singh confirmed to Times Sport reserve goalkeeper Mesake Navitikula will replace Ragata for this weekend’s Fiji Sun/GP Batteries National Football League match against Labasa. Ragata copped an injury to the head after colliding with Ba striker Osea Vakatalesau last Sunday. “Doctors have advised him (Ragata) to rest for the next two weeks so he will not be available to play,” Singh said. “His loss is a big blow to us because as captain, he was the backbone of the side and a goalkeeper is an important player in the team. Last week, as a loss of Ragata, the whole team collapsed and lost 0-4 to Ba but in another way, it’s a good way to give our reserve goalkeeper some game time,” he said.
Third match
A third match between Tailevu Naitasiri (T/N) and Rakiraki will be played this weekend to determine the Viti Levu Premier Division champion. T/N had won the first match 2-1 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori but Rakiraki won the return match on their own turf 1-0. Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Bob Kumar confirmed to Times Sport the away goal rule does not apply to Fiji after Rakiraki has written a letter to Fiji FA. “The away goal rule does not apply to Fiji and in our competition we play the third leg is both teams have won a match each so there will be a third match between T/N and Rakiraki,” Kumar said. The match will be played on Sunday at 2pm at the National Football Academy ground in Ba.
Big crowd
THE annual Shiri Sanatan Pratindhi Labasa branch soccer tournament is attracting a huge crowd to Subrail Park every night as players display their skills. Branch president Sarju Prasad said 32 teams were participating in the one-week tourney. “Sanatan teams from all over Vanua Levu and Taveuni participate during the event,” said Prasad. “We thank major sponsors Vodafone, the spectators and the people who have supported us every year. The knockout games began on Wednesday night which was followed by the bowl-quarter finals.” The finals will be played on Saturday. Proceeds from the annual tournament will be diverted to the development of Sangam institutions and charity works. Cup quarter-finals: Vunimoli Sanatan vs Nagata Sanatan; RD Bulileka Sanatan vs Wananavu Waves NNYCD Sanatan; Naleba Sanatan vs Vunivau Sanatan; SLCL Naseva Savusavu Sanatan vs KEM VVS Sanatan.