Victorious Police
TotalEnergies Police yesterday dedicated their 33rd FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl win to the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.
The Blues defeated Subrails Furniture Republic of Fiji Military Forces 19-11 at the HFC Bank Stadium in their 63rd annual rugby battle. Winning captain James Brown said young players like Jack Volavola stood up to the challenge and proved themselves.
“All honour and glory goes back to the Almighty, He is our main source of strength. Without Him we would not be able to win the game today,” he said. “The win is dedicated to the Commissioner of Police, he could not make it, he is watching from home – Sir, this win is for you. We certainly hope that you get well soon to celebrate this victory with us.
“We also dedicate this to our colleagues, wives, partners and families for bearing with us the past eight weeks.
“Also to our brothers and sisters in the force posted in the outer islands, around Fiji and overseas - this victory is for them.”
Fullback Volavola, 21, was awarded the player of the match after earning 11 points for the Blues.
“The young players stood up to the occassion and certainly the future looks bright for Police rugby.”
Police prop Inoke Ravuiwasa opened the scores for the Blues in the third minute. Try was successfully converted by Volavola. Two minutes later Army flanker Anasa Qaranivalu scored their first try however it was not converted. Police 7-5. In the 10th minute Qaranivalu dived over the line to score his second but was ruled a no try by referee David Vosalevu due a knock forward.
Army captain Manoa Tamaya was injured in the 28th minute was was replaced by Apisai Senileba for about 7 minutes.
In the 29th minute Police extended their lead 10-5, with a penalty by Volavola. He was sin binned before the breather for a dangerous tackle.
Half Time: RFMF 5-10 Police
Penalty by Army at the start of the second half was slotted in by Marika Tivitivi to narrow the gap 10-8.
RFMF extended their lead 11-10 after another penalty by Tivitivi as they captalise on their forwards during the scrums. Volavola kicked another penalty for the Blues to place them in the lead.
Two minutes they were awarded another penalty and Volavola slotted in from the 30-metre line, 16-11.
Etonia Rokotuisawa nailed the scores in a drop goal and the Blues further led 1911. Of the 71-year history of the annual rugby battle, Army has won it 27 times, the two sides drew three times (1968, 1977 and 2004); there were no games in eight years – 1964, 1987 to 1991, 200 and 2001. Meanwhile, Sitiveni Qasemasi of Raranibulubulu in Labasa won the third Yamaha boat and engine set, drawn by FMF at half time. This was part of the FMF promotion.