Fiji U-20 team member Setareki Hughes was the hero for his side as he scored in the dying stages to hand Rewa their sixth Battle of the Giants title.
Rewa last held the prestigious honour in 2011, prior to the side had won in 1994, 2003, 2004 and 2010.
The path to the 2014 final was not an easy one for either side as both had to go through a tough semi-final encounter in a bid to progress.
Extra time decided the fate of Rewa as they managed a 2-1 win over Suva in the first semi-final and Lautoka on the other hand ended Ba’s stronghold on the tournament.
Penalty kicks decided the fate of the clash as Lautoka came out on top 5-4.
ANZ Stadium is tagged as one of Rewa’s favourite grounds and the end result cleared any doubts.
Rewa-Lautoka last clashed in a final at the same venue during the 2010 Courts Inter District Championship and on that occasion Rewa had won 3-1.
Heading into the final the Delta Tigers, as Rewa are commonly known, were not short of support.
Referee Andrew Achari awarded Rewa a penalty midway through the first half after deeming Lautoka defender Poasa Bainivalu had handled the ball.
Simone Maikali did not make any mistake as he scored the opening goal of the match as Rewa led 1-0 at half time.
Lautoka equalised in the second half through Leisari Qalica. Isikeli Jeke Keli’s long range attempt came off the post and fell at the feet of Qalica.
A corner in the dying stages proved to be the turning point in the game.
In the 82nd minute Misaele Draunibaka placed a short corner to Garish Prasad who swung a cross to Hughes who then volleyed the ball past a diving Lautoka goal keeper Senirusi Bokini.
Lautoka worked overtime to search for the equaliser but came undone as Rewa claimed the B.O.G title after missing out in 2012 and 2013.
Rewa FA president Nazeel Buksh applauded the players and team management for the effort.
“It has defineltly been a very good tournament for the Tigers and I want to thank all the players for their commitment. Despite being a young team they’ve proved themselves to be mature beyond their years and we’re proud of them,” he says.
Hughes, Ratu Tevita and Garish Prasad were also part of the historic Fiji U-20 side which qualified for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Lautoka coach Lambert Sarju congratulated the Rewa side.
“We played very good football in the second half. It was a good game and I take my hat off to these boys for a job well done.
“They did their absolute best and in the end, winning was not in the book for us. As far as performance goes , the boys have done a good job and we can do better in the future,” he finishes.
Hughes walked away with the Golden Ball award and Inia Boko of Suva the golden boot. Rewa was awarded the first prize money of $11, 000.00
Suva beat Ba 2-1 to claim third place.
Story courtesy Fiji FA Media.
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