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Nick Jordan in Sigatoka

Wardens overcame the slippery conditions to beat Police 26-19 and win the $30,000 first prize at the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in Sigatoka.

Player of the tournament Joji Ragamate struck the killer blow on the stroke of halftime scoring under the posts to give his team a 19-7 half time lead.

The Police had opened the scoring through Samu Bola but the Suva-based Wardens hit back immediately and tries to Ilai Tinai and Sisa Vosaki preceded Ragamate's effort.

The second half of the showpiece match, refereed by international referee James Bolabiu on a muddy Lawaqa Park, was dominated by Police but they only had the one try, to Peni Gaunimeke, to show for their efforts.

When former Fiji international Api Naiyabo crashed over the Wardens could bank the cheque, despite a late score from Police's Apisalome Waqatabu.

Ragamate, who joined the Wardens this year, said he was delighted to perform on such a big stage and was keen for more international action.

"It was a special day for me as I have preparing myself for eight years for a tournament like this," said the 26-year old. "We had to work very hard against the Police and we knew it would be a tough tournament and I am doing my best to get back into the Fijian jumper."

The lanky winger, who made his Fijian debut at the recent Pacific Games, won the inaugural Serevi-Campese medal presented by the two legends of the code and will certainly have impressed the Fijian selectors in the crowd.

Serevi Vows To Return
Twenty-four teams contested the second edition of the tournament including Serevi and his eponymous team from Seattle in the USA.

The side, including legends Marika Vunibaka and "We planned to win some silverware after yesterday as in rugby, as in life, you have to get better the next time," Viliame Satala, won the Shield 26-7 over Warwick and the Maestro said he was pleased with the result.

said the former Fiji captain. "We were not good yesterday but we are pleased to be one of only four teams going home with some silverware.

"The tournament is improving with a lot of good teams here and it was just the weather that was not on our side. Hopefully next year it is better weather and I told the boys this is our competition next year so we'll definitely be back!"

The Army were too good for the students from the Fijian National University winning the Plate 22-0 while the Hideaway Hurricanes, a team comprising staff from the resort, won the Bowl 26-12 over Saunaka.

Fringe Fijians Light Up Semis
A stand-out performance from Ragamate was the highlight as Wardens beat Samurai 26-7 in the semi final. Ragamate scored three tries, including a classic solo effort just after halftime, and was dangerous every time he touched the ball.

Captain Lepani Botia, another Fijian rep in 2011, scored the Wardens' fourth.

The Wardens, who had won the Plate in 2010, were earlier too strong for FNU in their quarter-final scoring six tries to win 38-7.

In the other semi, Police played the better territory game forcing the Samurai into mistakes with their tactical kicking. Gaunimeke, Manueli Laqai and Mesulame Soga scored tries for Police while David Batiratu, after a strong burst, and Wame Waqavanua crossed for Samurai.

Police had earlier had a comfortable 15-5 win over Ratu Filise in the quarters. The boys in blue went up early when Gaunimeke sliced through, Apilome Waqatabu went over in the corner and Laqai made the game safe with an excellent long-range try

In the other quarters Navosa came from behind to beat Bainivualiki, the Army team from the northern island of Vanua Levu, by a single conversion . Aporosa Tabulawaki, who represented Fiji at last month's Oceania Sevens, scored the try that saw the team coached by Aisea Tuilevu and David Campese hold on to win 7-5.

The fourth quarter-final between Army and Samurai was an even affair in the rain and featured three tries to Samurai's Oresi Sareki as his side won 17-12.

Year Two Delights Organisers
Jay Whyte, Chairman of the Coral Coast Sevens Committee, said the standard had improved drastically.

"The 24 teams in this tournament set this event on fire and showcased the natural talent and flair that the people of Fiji are known around the world for," said Whyte. "Twelve months after we saw our tournament become the benchmark in Fiji we have raised that mark again."

A crowd of 5,000, including several busloads from the official resorts (Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa, Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa, Outrigger on the Lagoon, the Naviti Resort and Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa) provided their own entertainment throughout the weekend. A cheerleading contest, a best-dressed supporter competition and even a face-off as to who could best repeat the 'Campese' and 'Serevi' goose-step were some of the off-field highlights provided by the delightful people of the Fiji Islands.

Results from the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens, Lawaqa Park
I-Wau (Cup)
Final
Wardens 26 Police 19

Semi finals
Wardens 26 Navosa 7
Police 17 Samurai 5

Quarter finals
Wardens 38 Fijian National University 7
Navosa 7 Bainivualiki 5
Samurai Barracudas 17 Army 12
Police 15 Ratu Filise 5

Tanoa (Plate)
Final
Army 22 FNU 0

Davui (Bowl)
Final
Hideaway Hurricanes 26 Saunaka 12

Lase (Shield)
Final
Serevi 26 Warwick 7