Police captain Ulaiasi Lawavou said they had accomplished their mission in beating Army by 32-8 to win the 2020 FMF Ratu Sukuna Bowl Challenge at the ANZ Stadium yesterday.
“The last three weeks there had only been one mission and that is to take back to Nasova the Sukuna Bowl,” Lawavou said.
“We were the underdogs before the game. Our boys knew what they were up against and they dug deep and delivered. We dedicate the win to our families and all our supporters.”
After a heated foray in the first 15 minutes, Subrails Army drew first blood with fullback Eparama Senikuriciri knocking over a penalty from outside the 22 metre right in front after Police was penalised for infringing in the ruck.
Police equalised 30 minutes later with halfback Joseva Kuricuva kicking a penalty as Army was penalised for a similar offence. Police scored its first try through prop Ron Katonivere.
Kuricuva also dived over and converted his try to see Police leading 10-3 at the break. Prop Inoke Ravuiwasa scored the lawmen’s second try.
Super sub Terio Tamani who had been a thorn to the Army defence kicked a drop goal from 35 metres out.
A forward rush from substitute halfback Aporosa Saukuru saw him burst through the tiring defence to score and Tamani added the extras.
Army scored at the death by reserve looseman Apisai Domolailai. Saukuru scored again on 80 minutes.
Tamani converted.
Police: 1.Ron Katonivere 2.Veremalua Vugakoto 3.Inoke Ravuiwasa 4.Ulaiasi Lawavou 5.Necani Nawaqadau 6.Jolame Luvevou 7.Veniona Vuki 8.James Brown 9.Josaia Kuricuva 10.Meli Kurisaru 11.Keponi Paul 12.Ifereimi Tovilevu 13.Watisoni Sevutia 14.Rusiate Matai 15.Kini Douglas reserves: 16.Ratunaisa Naruma 17.Timoci Sauvoli 18.Osea Sadrau 19.Vilive Miramira 20.Aporosa Saukuru 21.Terio Tamani 22.Mesake Tuinamena 23.Inia Rokomatu 24.Emosi Saladuadua
Army: 1.Mateo Qolisese 2.Isireli Ledua 3.Manasa Saulo 4.Manoa Tamaya 5.Sorovakatini Tuifagalele 6.Meli Derenalagi 7.Elia Canakaivata 8.Jitoko Usumaki 9.Anasa Raqili 10.Jone Manu 11.Lepani Kurumudu 12.John Stewart 13.Apisalome Vota 14.Gabriel Matakiviwa 15.Eparama Senikuriciri reserves 16.Meli Neori 17.Apisai Vatubuli 18.Ratu Penijamini Makutu 19.Peni Naruma 20.Esikia Macu 21.Apisai Domolailai 22.Aporosa Kenatale 23.Vilive Aria 24.Ropate Tobe 25.Malakai Vakalawa
