Set to thrill
Army claimed the Sukuna Bowl, beating Police 20-17. Jeke Suguturaga kicked a penalty which was followed by tries from Vesi Rarawa and Levani Kurumudu. Army led 17-3 at the break. Sireli Kaloucava and Inoke Ravuiwasa scored tries for Police, but it was not enough as Army re-gained the prestigious title.
Police won the FMF Rise Fiji Rise Sukuna Bowl, beating Army 32-8. Police led 10-3 at the break after a penalty by Meli Kurisaru and a try by Joseva Kuricuva. Police scored another try, and Terio Tamani took a drop goal. Aporosa Saukuru scored for Police and Api Domolailai for Army, but Police did enough to win.
Last year, Army edged Police 18-17 in a thriller. Police led 17-10 at the break, and scored two tries through Isireli Kaloucava and Timoci Sauvoli, with Josefa Kuricuva adding two conversions and a penalty. Army’s tries came through Aporosa Kenatale, Jeke Suguturaga and Ropate Toge and then Jone Manu kicked the winning penalty to secure the title.
Today’s battle is set to thrill. All the best to the sides!
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Right: Josivini Salavatu
of Police 2 spikes against Army 2 in the women’s volleyball competition of the FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl
tournament.
THE 2022 FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl challenge this afternoon in Suva between holders, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the Fiji Police Force will rewrite the history of the 71-year-old anticipated Fijian annual tournament.
Today, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, a new tanoa, the main trophy, will be hoisted by the winner.
The tanoa, given by the late Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna in 1951 to unite members of the two security forces, was burnt in a fire at the QEB Barracks at Nabua, Suva, last December.
The 71st edition with its new spoils will be remembered also of a tournament held on the eve of one of Fiji’s most important events, the General Election on December 14 where the two institutions will be in the front seat of ensuring a fair and problem-free election.
The annual rugby clash has been the pride of both institutions. They honour, protect and uphold the integrity of their teams and their institutions with pride and honour. Bloods from injuries will spill. It’s been battles since 1951 and some who had spilled blood on the rugby turfs had moved on. Their predecessors today continue the legacy. They will put their bodies on the line. Just like wars, there will be causalities, but as men trained to protect and serve with dignity, honour and true to allegiance, they will not want to buckle or lose infront of their superiors. The smartest and fittest will survive.
This afternoon, Laucala Bay will crown the winner and keeper of the new Sukuna Bowl tanoa.
Since 2009 Army has been the traditional custodians of the title. They are the defending champion after edging Police 18-17 last year.
The final whistle will determine today which team will drink kava from the coveted tanoa.