“We’re very proud of our performance. The top goal scorer acknowledged the Fiji Hockey Federation for hosting the Pacific Cup as it was costly for players to travel. It’s great for the sport.”
Dutta was the top goal scorer during the Oceania Pacific Cup. He scored 19 goals. Photo: Leon Lord
The Fiji men’s hockey team captain Leevan Dutta earned his 50th international cap yesterday as they lifted the Intercontinental Cup at the National Hockey Centre, Suva.
Fiji men’s hockey team captain Leevan Dutta was the top goal scorer during the Oceania Pacific Cup. He scored 19 goals. Photo: Leon Lord
Fiji beat Solomon Islands, 6-3 in the gold medal play-off; Vanuatu won bronze, defeating Samoa, 4-3. Dutta, 32, started playing hockey since he was about 15-years-old and despite not fully executing their game, he was pleased with the win.
“I think we were a big complacent in the beginning, but in the second half we found our rhythm and eventually we were able to take the win,” he said.
“We’re very proud of our performance. The top goal scorer acknowledged the Fiji Hockey Federation for hosting the Pacific Cup as it was costly for players to travel. It’s great for the sport.”
Dutta added that debutants Kirk Corrie, Dale Johanssen and George Ravatu stepped up to their role.
“I think all of them (debutants) have played really well. They showed why they belong in the team. We are really happy to have them on the side and very proud of their performance as well.
“Having the Warriors team too we’re able to expose more players to this level of competition, it’s great for our sports.”
He dedicated their win to their families, friends and team members.
“The boys gave up a lot of their time and made a lot of sacrifices and as always all glory to God.”
Unbeaten Fiji women lift Pacific Cup
The Fiji women’s hockey side continued their unbeaten run to the final at the Oceania Pacific Cup tournament which ended yesterday. They won both the Intercontinental and Pacific Cup.
They defeated Samoa, 8-2, to lift the Intercontinental Cup and escaped New Zealand Pasifika, 2-0 in the shootout after they tied at 2-all at full time. Vanuatu lost the Pacific Cup bronze medal to Tonga during the shootout after they were held 3-3 at full-time.
Fiji men lost to NZ Fiji in the shootout of the the Pacific Cup final, they were tied 6-all at fulltime.
Dutta and Melba Nautu were top goal scorers for the men’s and wom-en’s respectively. Dutta scored 19 while Nautu scored 13 goals during the four-day tournament.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
