THE Jim Tavai-captained Vuda One team was crowned champions of the 2012 Clutch Systems-sponsored Lautoka Rugby Union knockout competition at Churchill Park yesterday.
Vuda One staged a second half comeback to down Naviyago 21-10 in the final of the premier division.
Naviyago led 10-8 at half-time but a pep talk by coach Waisale Tora ignited the Vuda Green team in the second spell. Tora said they did not expect Naviyago to give them such a hard time.
He said fitness was the telling factor at the end.
"I'm very happy with the final result," Tora said.
"We came prepared but did not expect Naviyago to come out firing especially in the first spell. We had been watching them throughout the competition but did not expect them to play such hard rugby."
"They gave us a tough time. Every game we played was at 3pm. But this final was scheduled at 1pm. The heat was intense. We were down at half time and it was very close."
"So I told the boys to step up as we could not afford to let the opposition take the trophy away. Despite the heat they came back well in the second half. The fitness stood out at the end."
In the senior A final, Vio Two defeated Rangers 20-19 while Natawarau won the senior B beating Medics 7-5.