Centre Park in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere has been a good hunting ground for the Tavua team as its players claimed yet another IDC title over the Labour weekend match held on October 24, 2011.
They won the title, after overcoming defending Champions Rewa in extra time.
The Tavua team should in fact be thankful to the Labasa players who gave a fright in their tournament opener with a one-all draw.
This result sparked resurgence among the Tavua officials, who boosted the team with reinforcements for the Labour Weekend to go past Nasinu in the quarterfinals and a disappointing Lautoka in the semi-finals.
Rewa on the other hand, started slow in the tournament scoring a draw with Bua and a loss to Savusavu. However, the team brazed itself for the big games with a win against Nadi in the quarterfinals and Ba in the semi-finals.
The scene was set for a repeat of the 2010 scene for Tavua to avenge its defeat.
The team started strongly with a goal from tournament MVP Sumend Pooni before Rewa equalised deep into the second half.
Rewa than charged throughout the match, hoping possibly for the dreaded penalty kicks before the heartbreak header gave Tavua the win. It was a victory that Tavua needed disparately to lift the coveted Century 21 Cup and the Shah Homes-sponsored Winner’s Cheque.
In the Plate Final, a revitalised, new-look Vatukoula, under the watchful eyes of Azeem and Haroon claimed the title, squashing Nadroga.
A special presentation was also made to Pita Rabo of Lautoka and Waisake Sabotu of Rewa for their recognition in winning the Chatham Cup, which not many Fijians have achieved.
The players of such calibre turn up each year to play in the IDC and the teams that attract them deserve credit for their efforts.
The four-day tournament was the first held at the Park by NZ Fiji AFC since the new Stadium was built. It gave NZ Fiji members a sense of satisfaction to play in such an environment. The matches saw many young players joining teams and the upsets caused by the minnows.
Tournament Chairman John Nath was pleased with the outcome and was happy to pass on the baton to Sheik Israr who now heads the Fiji Fact Tournament starting in December at the same venue.
