Rugby in Fiji's old capital

While the big games of international games were going on this weekend, Fiji’s old capital Levuka hosted a must win match.

Far far away from international sparkling rugby, a festive like crowd hovered around a quaint rugby field in the yesteryear location of Levuka- Fiji’s old capital. In front of them was a right old battle of 2 cellar dwellers in Fiji’s premier rugby competition.

Levuka is where it all started for Fiji and walking through the main drag you really do think you will see horses tied up outside these shops, not too long ago they were.

In a small town the rugby home match is a big thing and the local villages walk many miles to yell and back their team, especially when they are hoping to end a loosing streak.

The fields background is a wonderful mountain range and the raised grass terrace has a wee grandstand and it all seems very posh, locals watch from their front deck, kids clamber up trees and everyone was enjoying a stiff encounter.

On the field the local Ovalua (Levuka) team was up against Rewa, these guys come on a 35-minute boat ride & they are rivals from way back.

It all started off with genuine zing, a penalty got the scoreboard rolling in Ovalau’s direction and soon they were over for a 5 pointer too. Fijian crowds have a fantastic way of screaming with a nervous tone that makes action on the field seem even more tense and exciting. Each move, dropped ball and big hit is exaggerated with the crowd’s vocal reactions.

In the end lack of fitness and too much aimless kicking cost the Ovalau team, the game got a bit messy and a few boys were send for 10 minute holidays on the sideline for bad behaviour.

As usual with Fijian stature, they have their fair share of speedsters. The match had some pulsating breaks, and then a loose pass gave the pill to the opposite team to jet back in the other direction. Play was frantic and didn’t have much structure, but rugby did liven up the old town.

It was a sad day for the local boys, they did however show promise and hopefully a few people watching the match will chuck their boots on and aim for a spot in the team.