Mosese Naiova has a wish to achieve before sunset today.
The 32-year-old Police Blue 15s rugby captain wants to lead his side into next week’s final of the Suva Rugby Union Digicel Escott Shield by beating Covenant Brothers in the semi-finals at Buckhurst Ground, Laucala Bay, Suva this afternoon.
Police Blue meets Covenant Brothers while defending champion Navy Blue takes on Army Green.
“This is my first year as captain,” the Rararua Village native of Nadroga said.
“I have been playing in the Escott Shield competition for 10 years, and this year as captain my dream is to win this oldest rugby trophy in the country. I want to win it for my team, the Fiji Police Force, my family and for myself.
“It will be hard because the other teams are better, but I will lead by example.”
Naiova was 29 when Police last won the shield in 2018. He was a flanker.
“I am still in that position, but as a captain, so we will use every opportunity to score points during the match.”
Navy Blue captain Meli Baivatu said his aim was to successfully retain Fiji rugby’s oldest log of wood.
“We have prepared well and we will bring our A-game against Army Green,” the Nasautoka villager of Wainibula said.
All captains of teams playing in the SRU Digicel-sponsored club semi-finals were hosted at the Fiji Navy base at Walu Bay, Suva yesterday.
SRU president Commanmder Ledua Yaco said Suva had been strong in provincial competitions because it garnered its club competitions well.
“We emphasise in developing grassroots level and our club competition,” he said.
The finals are expected to be held next weekend.
Today’s Digicel Club Championship semis:
- Buckhurst 1 – Digicel Escott Shield: 2pm SF1 – Police Blue vs Covenant Bros, 4pm SF2 – Navy Blue vs Army Green, Bidesi Ground – Digicel Koroturaga Cup: 2pm SF1 – Lakeba vs Navy White, 4pm SF2 – Naqarani vs Nasinu.
- Buckhurst 2 – Senitoa Cup: 2pm Police Women v Striders Rugby
