The Labasa soccer team walked away with the $20,000 prize money after winning the Courts IDC in style beating arch‑rivals Ba 2‑1 in a nail biting final at the ANZ Stadium last night.
The northerners scored in the 6th minute of the first half through Lekima Gonerau giving Labasa a 1‑0 lead at halftime.
Both teams came back strongly after the breather and Labasa capitalized on their chances as Ratu Apenisa Anare managed to put Labasa up by 2‑0 from a Gabriel Matanasiga cross.
The Men in Black did not lose hope and maintained continuous pressure on the Labasa goalmouth.
Ba captain Avinesh Suwamy led by example and scored in the 40th minute of the second half to bring Ba back into the game but that was not enough as Labasa, led by captain and goalkeeper Akuila Mataisuva, defended brilliantly till the final whistle.
The winning goal scorer Ratu Apenisa dedicated the goal to his late grandfather who passed away a few months ago.
Labasa last won the IDC in 2011 at the same venue against the same opponent but the result that time was 1‑0.
Labasa defender Remueru Tekiate won the player of the tournament while Nadi’s Arfaaz Ali was named the new find.
Meanwhile, Nasinu took out the senior title after beating Navua 2‑1 in extra‑time.
In the Secondary School final, Kamil Muslim College successfully defended their IDC Secondary School title after defeating Nadi Muslim 4‑3 in a penalty shoot‑out.
Both teams were locked 3‑all until fulltime.
Kamil Muslim received $1500 as prize money.
Meanwhile, Lautoka Primary beat Labasa Primary 5‑4 in a penalty shoot‑out to take the Primary School title.
Lautoka Primary walked away with $1000.
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