McElrath commends event

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Fiji Coral Coast Sevens Tournament. Tournament Director Jay Whyte and Mc Donalds Managing Director Marc McElrath with the sponsorship cheque in Suva. Picture: JONA KONATACI/FILE

CORAL Coast sevens tournament major sponsor McDonald’s Fiji has praised the success of the annual event in helping improve Fiji 7s rugby.

McDonald’s Fiji managing director Marc McElrath dubbed the final on Saturday at Lawaqa Park as a match between David and Goliath after Police edged Ratu Filise 17-14.

He said it was a final to remember seeing a village team eliminating top teams to reach the final.

“It’s great to see a village team Ratu Filise which does not have the resources that some other big teams have in urban areas come into this tournament and showcase their talents,” McElrath said.

“Coach Baber was sitting in the tent and I think he may have picked up some names from these teams and Ratu Filise nearly made it, but Police team was a bit better.”

Meanwhile, tournament director Jay Whyte was impressed with the final and how sevens rugby has evolved through the years in Fiji.

“The four days is just a great example of how great the quality of rugby in Fiji is,” Whyte said.

“To see a Police team go up against a village team and the difference was the lineout, shows the talent we have.

“Our goal has always been about unearthing raw talents and I thank the sponsors, organisers, officials, securities, The Fiji Times and the spectators for a brilliant four days of rugby sevens at its best.”

Meanwhile in the Shield final Sigatoka River Safari Henibua defeated the USA Falcons 17-12, Raiwasa beat Fijian Shangri-La’s 19-10 and Uluinakau beat Red Wings 21-12 in the plate final. The event included some rugby legends.

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