Navua clinch League crown

Local Sports

2012 FSLGV League champions Navua. Photo submitted.Navua was crowned champions of the Fijian Soccer League of Greater Vancouver after a 5-1 demolition of Rewa at Coast Meridian Park.

Coach Satendra Ram’s side produced a display of resilience to thwart their opponent of a double title of the season.

Navua strikers Ritesh Mishra and Patrick Junior set the tone for a scintillating performance against a star studded Rewa side.

The duo contributed 2 goals each, Mishra scored in the first half and Junior in the second, while super sub Neil Adrakar fired from a close range to spark massive celebrations.

The situation turned desperate for Rewa, who just last month beat Navua in the FSLGV Cup final, but fell short on fire power.

Navua manager Jiten Ram (Jittu) embraced his players and gave them high fives.

“I can’t explain the feeling. We lost to Rewa in the Cup final and that kick started the campaign for the showdown. We showed up and the result says it all”.

"I don't think I've ever seen a game like this. We didn't deserve to lose. We had a lot of chances and we deserved to win the game and championship. It's fantastic for the club and the supporters after 7 years. It's been a crazy season and a crazy end to our season”, Ram (Jittu) said.

Navua won the title for the first time since its inception in 2005. The Sunday derby was all about the title supremacy.

Rewa coach Ronald Chaudhary was gracious in defeat said his side missed several near scoring chances and that separated the two sides.

“We had possession and created opportunities, but failed to capitalise on the scoring chances.

“I’m glad though, the way we played. We need to go back to the drawing boards and see what went wrong”, said Chaudhary.

Rewa striker Iqbal Khan scored his side’s lone goal.

Ram (Jittu) said Navua will savour the moment for now.

“A huge party is in the works,” he said.