ETUATE Raikoso delivered when it mattered most as the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces advanced three teams to the semi-finals of the Vodafone Cup and FNRL Women’s Premiership.
The Army Bears winger scored the decisive try in extra time to secure a dramatic 20-16 victory over Vusu Roaders in the Vodafone Cup after the teams were locked 16-16 at fulltime.
Raikoso spotted an opening in the Vusu defence and seized his chance.
“I looked up and saw the defence was napping. I took the opportunity and scored the try,” he said.
The Lomai Waidina native from Naitasiri admitted he did not expect to be the match-winner.
“I did not expect to score the winning try,” he said.
Army Bears head coach Sefanaia Koroi said his players remained disciplined and trusted their game plan after Vusu mounted a strong second-half comeback.
“I told the boys to attack the middle and stay disciplined in defence,” Koroi said.
“They did that and scored the winning try.”
Koroi said the result was the reward for the team’s preparation during the week.
“We had prepared well during the week and the teams showed that today,” he said.
“We learnt a lot from our quarter-final victories today and we go back to the drawing board on Monday as we prepare for the semi-finals.”
The Army Bears women produced the biggest result, thrashing Serua Dragons 72-0 in the FNRL Women’s Premiership.
In the Vodafone Cup, the Navy Albatross also secured a semi-final berth after edging USP Raiders 24-20.
The three sides represent the RFMF, with the Army Bears men and Navy Albatross competing in the Vodafone Cup, while the Army Bears women compete in the FNRL Women’s Premiership.
Raikoso has called on supporters to rally behind all three teams as they target places in their respective finals.
The RFMF now has three teams one step away from their respective finals.
In the other quarter-final results
Premier Quarter-finals results
Saru Dragons 19-14 Vusu Raiders
Nadera Panthers 20-17 Naminiwaqa Sea Eagles
U17 Quarter-finals results
Nadera Panthers 32-0 Makoi Bulldogs
USP Raiders 28-12 City Storms
U15 Quarter-finals results
Nadera Panthers 8-0 Makoi Bulldogs
Nabua Broncos 14-12 USP Raiders
U13 Quarter-finals results
Nadera Panthers 32-0 Vaiyasana Knights
Nabua Broncos 12-4 Makoi Bulldogs
FNRWPL Quarter-final results
USP Raiders (win by defualt) against Veiyasan Knights
Police Sharks 46-4 Laselase Cowboys
