Fiji Sun

RFMF scoops netball title

- SEREANA SALALO SUVA Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrol­a Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj

Astar studded Republic of Fiji Military Forces netball team were crowned the new champions of the FMF Sukuna Bowl netball competitio­n.

The Wasela Bogi captained side defeated Fiji Police Force 57-44 at the National Netball Centre yesterday.

Army was laced with Fijian Pearls players including shooters Afa and Maliana Rusivakula, Avelina Navue who took control at centre, Josephine Tabua as Goal Defence and Goal Keeper was Kalesi Tawake. Tawake was awarded the player of the match.

The wings were Bogi on attack and Tokaiono at wing defence.

The women in blue had seasoned midcourt player Alesi Waqa-Paul, Lydia Panapasa and former Pearls defender Episake Kahatoka.

Police women initially led 13-11 however Army came from behind to lead 27-20 at halftime.

Army maintained their dominance in the third quarter 44-30 and added another 13 points in the last quarter to nail the win 57-44.

The Police side could not utilize their combinatio­n, making it impossible to convert possession into points.

Trailing in the last three quarters was hard task and the 13 points difference

speak volumes of the sides’ level of fitness and consistenc­y.

Two notable absentees in the side were Merelita Waqanidrol­a and Alisi Naqiri who could have beefed up the Police defense zone in the rebounds.

Army was coached by Luse Rokoura with Marica Tagivetaua as manageress while the Police side was coached by Vilive Vatuquto with Salote Vuniwaqa as manageress.

In the other netball match, RFMF II beat Police II, 35-25.

In the women volleyball match Police II won against their Army counterpar­t. In the men’s volleyball, Police I beat RFMF I 23-25.

 ?? Photo: Ronald Kumar ?? Fiji Police Force Goal Shooter Lydia Panapasa (with ball) tries to maintain possession against Republic of Fiji Military Forces Goal Keeper Kalesi Tawake during their FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl netball match at the National Netball Centre on November 24, 2022 .
Photo: Ronald Kumar Fiji Police Force Goal Shooter Lydia Panapasa (with ball) tries to maintain possession against Republic of Fiji Military Forces Goal Keeper Kalesi Tawake during their FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl netball match at the National Netball Centre on November 24, 2022 .

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