POLICE flyhalf Etonia Rokotuisawa inspired his team to victory at Subrail Park in Labasa after beating Army 26-10 to retain the Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl.
Rokotuisawa’s kicking game was on point as he nailed two conversions and four penalties which made all the difference in the final score.
The sudden change in weather did not deny the spirits of spectators as young and old remained seated at the pavilions, faithfully cheering on their teams.
Police flanker Sakiusa Vosayaco charged down an attempted clearance from Army then chased it to score the first try of the match.
After a number of scrappy plays, Army center Onisimo Nawalu powered through Police’s defensive line before chipping the ball for the supporting players to chase.
Former Silktails player Osea Natoga was the benefactor of a team effort as he finished off with a try which was converted by 2025 Skipper Cup winning Malolo player Douglas Daveta.
Sloppy tackles by Army cost them a penalty and Police flyhalf Etonia Rokotuisawa, from the 50m line, extended their lead 10-7.
A high tackle by Police saw Daveta step up for kicking duties to level the scores at 10-all but they paid for their indicipline as Police through Naitasiri player Etonia Rokotuisawa put his team in the lead 13-10 at halftime.
Similar to the first half, Police charged down a clearance kick from deep within the Army territory and centre Akuila Dranivotua who was in fine form chased down the ball to score.
Rokotuisawa gave their fans up on the stands the bragging rights with another conversion as Police led 20-10.
The rain and slippery ground made things worse for a desperate Army side which kept giving away unnecessary penalties through unforced errors.
Another penalty conceded inside Army’s 10m line have Rokotuisawa the opportunity to convert another three pointer pushing Police to a 23-10 lead.
He added icing to the cake in the dying minutes with another successful penalty as their fans celebrated another year of victory on the stands.
