No Secret Recipe: Delana
Police captain tells what made them tick, RFMF Commander gracious in defeat
Ajubilant Police rugby skipper Jone Delana says, hard work and dedication enabled them to win back the ANZ Ratu Sukuna Bowl at the ANZ Stadium, Suva last night.
The Blues walloped the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) side 41-17 to the joy of their supporters.
“There is no secret recipe of us winning it’s our hard work and dedication that gave us the victory,” Delana told SUNsports.
“Every player played their part and contributed immensely into this sweet victory.” What happened; Police proved themselves strong in the first 40 minutes as they dominated all facets of play. They scored their first try through prop Timoci Sauvoli which was converted by full-back Apisalome Waqatabu.
They continued on with their entertaining rugby and scored the second try through winger Rusiate Matai while Waqatabu failed to convert as they led 12-0.
Then moments later Matai scored his second try and Waqatabu added the extras from the conversion. RFMF regrouped as Mosese Tikoduadua kicked over first penalty to narrow the deficit at 19-3. The Delainabua brigade continued to build momentum scoring their first try through lock Joseva Levula with Tikoduadua’s conversion going wide as they trailed 198..
Police who had the services of Fiji Airways Drua reps like Waqatabu, Eremasi Radrodro, Ifereimi Tovilevu, Jone Navori and hooker Ratunaisa Navuma lifted their game to another notch.
Indsicpline play crept into RFMF’s game and Waqatabu kicked over a penalty in the 40th minute to give Police a handy 22-10 lead.
Halftime; RFMF 10-22 Police The Police forwards led by No.8 Radrodro took control of play and never allowed RFMF any chance at all.
Radrodro’s bustling run saw him crash over for the fourth try with Waqatabu’s conversion taking the scores to 29-10.
Immense pressure by Police saw the RFMF defence buckle as centre Watisoni Sevutia sliced through a gap to score their fifth try with the conversion going wide as they extended the lead to 34-10. RFMF only had themselves to blame with poor defence structure as replacement flanker Josefa Kuricuva ran in Police sixth try with Meli Kurisaru successful with the conversion as they went further ahead 41-10.
RFMF fought back and scored a consolation try to lock Peni Naulago with the conversion from Aporosa Kenatale going over.
Comments: RFMF Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto was impressed their young players performance.
“Sad we lost, we would love to win but that was not the way the game was played.
“I take hats off to the young players who played today, they played well, the coach trusted them and they gave their all.”
POLICE WIN OLDIES BATTLE
Police pipped Republic of Fiji Military Force side 23-21 yesterday. RFMF started strongly in the first half time as they led the scoreboard by 14-13 with Timoci Volavola and Jolame Davui scoring a try each while Davui’s conversions went over.
Police try came from Laisiasa Boginivalu and converted by Amani Bosenawai who also landed two penalties.
Police changed their game plan in the last two quarter of the game and scored the second try through Jale Jitoko who also converted it for 20-14. RFMF bounced back and scored their third try through Sakeo Sorovakawalu with Davui’s conversion saw them hold a 21-20 lead.
But it was Bosenawai who kicked over the winning penalty in the dying moments of the game. Police coach/player Solomone Nute said: “We didn’t really have much time to prepare since we were working throughout the election period, we just got together this week and prepared for four days.”
YOUNG BLUES TRIUMPH
Police won the development division earlier on in the day defeating RFMF 13-16.
Coach Solomoni Nute said: “It’s a good start for our young players, these will be future representatives for the Force and I’m impressed with what they have shown.”