Men’s, women’s teams secure third place in touch rugby
THE TOUCH rugby men’s and women’s teams secured third place after beating Cook Islands in the bronze playoff match of the Pacific Games Touch Rugby tournament at the Saint Joseph’s grounds in Alafua, Samoa.
The men’s team beat Cook Islands men 9-6 while the women’s team beat Cook Islands women 5-4.
Team coach Tomasi Tiko said the tournament had given the players a much needed exposure after missing out on two Pacific Games.
“I think the tournament has been a really good exposure for the players, as for the men’s we only have one player who has been to the Pacific Games and the women’s they are all new to the Pacific Games.
“It is a big growth since we just started, it was a slow start for both the men’s and women’s team but we toughened up towards the end, it was unfortunate that a few of the results did not go our way and we ended up against the top seed in the semis but we tried and it is what it is. We can only improve from here,” said Tiko.
Women’s team captain Sisilia Raravula said the women’s side performed better than they were expecting despite bowing out of the semi-finals.
“I think after losing out in the semifinals the girls regrouped and we agreed on making that bronze medal win, we wanted to go home with a medal and we were positive and we got what we wanted,” she said.
Raravula said the team which was new to the competition had learnt a lot which would help the players in developing further in the sport.
“After this we want to push forward the women’s team and go back home to encourage more female participation in the sport, we need the numbers and hope we could drive in more interests.
“We thank our families who have supported us through this journey and we hope we have made them proud,” she added.
Taking gold medal in the women’s division was Papua New Guinea, Samoa settled for silver.
In the men’s division, Papua New Guinea won gold while Samoa settled for silver.
I think the tournament has been a really good exposure for the players ...