"WE will be back." Those were the words from the 2Day FM Suva camp after the side lost to Raiwai Gold 1-3 in the Vulaca Championship men's showdown at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala last night.
The young and spirited Raiwai Gold convincingly won the first two sets 25-15 and 25-18 before defending champions Suva fought back to claim the third set 25-23 in a close and exciting tussle.
With the crowd backing them, the Raiwai Gold side led by former national rep Suliasi Ledua made a strong comeback to win the fourth set 25-20 to claim the championship.
2Day FM Suva laced with national reps in Temo Finau, Sakiusa Boletawa, Inia Korowale and Iliesa Vakaloloma started well but early infringements saw one of their players sinbinned which led them down.
Raiwai Gold kept up the momentum which they had built from the opening set and displayed a courageous performance with some fine blocking and spikes that caught its much fancied opponent square on numerous occasions in the pulsating match.
Suva Volleyball Association secretary Viliame Katia was not happy with the match officials adding controversial decisions killed their hopes of clinching the opening set.
However he said they would bounce back to perform better at the Vanua Challenge which will be held next month.
Raiwai Gold coach Akuila Koroi hailed his players for putting up a brave fight and securing the win.
"This is like after 10 years we have won the Vulaca Championship and I want to thank the players for the job well done," he said.
"This win is for the supporters of Raiwai volleyball."
Suva Black won the women's grade after beating Security Force One in three straight sets.
Defending champions Kinoya lost to Suva Black in the semi-finals.
The winners in both grades got $1000 each for their efforts over the two days.