Police clinches title

THE 2022 FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl rugby final ended with flare and drama as Police retained the coverted bowl 19-11 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva yesterday.

With the stadium filled with a sea of red and blue supporters, Police show their intent to win back the title from the first whistle.

After three minutes from kickoff,

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Police fullback, Mereani

Rogasau is heavily dumped to the ground by Army’s Meredani Qoro during their FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl women’s rugby match at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva

yesterday. prop Inoke Ravuiwasa scored the first try with fullback Jack Volavola, who was also the man of the match, converting for an early 7-0 lead.

Army flanker Anasa Qaranivalu replied with an unconverted try to put his side within two points.

Tryscorer Ravuiwasa was taken out off 10 minutes into the game because of a dislocated shoulder. So did Army skipper Manoa Tamaya with a knee injury but he returned after 20 minutes in the second half.

A mistake by Volavola almost resulted in Qaranivalu’s second try in the 15th minute which was denied by the video referee.

Volavola added three points to his side’s tally but was later handed a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

At half time and with Police leading 10-5, a tug-of-war competition kept the crowd entertained. It was won by Army with local celeberity Tabaloki providing the entertainment.

In the first quarter of the second half, Jeke Suguturaga slotted over two penalties as Army took the lead for the first time in the match 11-10.

Volavola made up for his send off with two penalties to push Police back into the lead at 16-11.

Naitasiri ace kicker Etonia Rokotuisawa made his presence known off the bench with a 50-metre drop goal to clinch the win for

Police at 19-11.

Army’s effort of a comeback was denied by a Police tight defence.

Police captain James Brown dedicated the win to Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who was watching from home because of illness.

“This win is also dedicated to all the officers in the outer islands, those who are working in the interior of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu,” he said.