A combined Fiji 7s team lost to a combined Wardens side 17-14 in the final of the Macuata Youth Provincial 7s tournament at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The national extended squad was dealt a further blow with key players, Donasio Ratubuli and Amenoni Nasilasila rushed to hospital during the semi-final stages and are certain to be ruled out action for the next couple of months.
Ratubuli, who was earmarked to make his return to the international 7s arena, fractured his leg in the Fiji 1 side’s 28-5 win over Wardens Gold.
Nasilasila was left winded after copping a late tackle from former national 7s rep, Ilai Tinai on the way to dotting down a try.
Ryan then opted to combine the two national sides for the final, and rested key players such as Osea Kolinisau, Isake Katonibau, Pio Tuwai and Apisai Domolailai to avoid further injuries.
The Wardens combined side outscored the combined national squad by three tries to two in a bruising encounter to win the title and $3000 prize money.
Ryan donated the $1500 runners up prize back to the organizers, the Macuata Youth Provincial Council.
In other finals, First Light Taveuni beat Vueti Cakau 26-14 in the plate division, Savuiqali beat Bainivualiku 24-19 in the Bowl category and Vueti Cakau claimed the Under-19 title after defeating 3D 17-7.
Ryan will name a reduced 16-member national extended squad tomorrow to prepare for the Dubai and Cape Town 7s tournaments next month.
