The Labasa football men’s side dominated all aspects of the game and thrashed Tavua 6-0, to register their first win in the Extra Premier League this season.

Cheered by a vocal Labasa crowd, the Babasiga Lions did not fail to disappoint as Solomon Islands’ Jimson Abana, scored a hat trick.

From the first whistle, Labasa controlled majority of the ball possession and created numerous goal scoring opportunities taking a 2-0 lead at half courtesy of goals from striker, Rusiate Doidoi and Melvin Mani.

Tavua had to rely on counter attacks to pose a threat to Labasa goalkeeper, Jitoko Vulava, who stand strong and made a couple of good saves.

Labasa coach, Alvin Chand, was happy with the team’s performance.

“Hats off to my players for a grand game, they played according to our plan,” he said.

Chand said they spent an entire week of preparation to ensure they get the first win especially at home.

“During this time, we worked on some of our strategies on how the game will be played and executed the game as expected by our coaching panel.”

Chand was satisfied with Abana’s performance, but, believed it was a team’s performance.

“All the players had to show their best game after disappointing against Rewa in the earlier games,” he said.

Labasa lost the Pillay Garments Champion verses Champion (CVC) Series to Rewa and this haunted the side to improve on their game.

Chand said Abana’s recent purchase and transfer to Labasa was the best decision taken by the Labasa Football Association.

The other goal was scored by a Tavua player which counted as an own goal.

After the team received a stern and wakeup call from the officials after the home loss to Rewa in the CVC, Chand, said that loss drove them to play and win against Tavua.

“It gave us more inspiration to perform better, the boy’s worked hard in the training sessions,” he said.

“We have to improve game by game”.

Captain, Akeimi Ralulu’s presence on the side helped them quickly transition from defense to attack.

Chand said Ralulu is one of their best players and the win was dedicated to him. His birthday was on Saturday.

“Ralulu is taking up the challenge to captain the side this season and is developing his leadership skills,” he said.

Labasa faces Lautoka in Round 3 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

Suva beats Nadi 

The Babs Khan-coached Suva side held on to a 3-2 victory over hosts Nadi during their round two clash at the slippery Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.

This marked their first victory of the season after the 1-1 draw against Ba in round one.

Khan said the team is competing well this season as they have an experienced side.

“We changed formation because we had made that five subs and we couldn’t sub a keeper. It almost cost us, but then the players showed up. They’re (Nadi) a real team. We played a different formation today (yesterday).”

Nadi FA executive Lawrence Kumar said it was hard luck and would work on its next match.

Round 3 Results:

Navua 1-0 Nasinu, Ba 2-2 Sigatoka Electric Nadroga, Nadi 2-3 Suva, Labasa 6-0 Tavua

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