REPUBLIC of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto saw the Army Bears 20-18 win over the Police Sharks as a good start for them leading up to the grand finale this Friday.

It was an all-out battle between the two disciplined forces as neither side refused to give way.

But the Sharks’ failure to finish off impressive moves and giving away soft penalties cost them the game.

They managed to run in three tries, Ulaiasi Radrovi with a double and a last-minute try to Lasaro Turagadrau.

Army also scored three tries to Ilikena Niumataiwalu, Peniasi Vatuorooro and Marika Tagicakibau.

Niumataiwalu was the toast of his Army side after slotting two conversions and two penalties, securing the win for the Bears and dethroning the defending champions the Police Sharks.

As expected the game was decided with a conversion, but Iliesa Salauca could not hit his mark to level the scores, much to the delight of the challengers.

Army coach Sevanaia Koroi thanked God for their victory and commended his players for their gutsy efforts.

“We thank the Almighty God in Heaven as he is our source of strength, as I have told our players earlier winning the Defence Force Rugby League World Cup is nothing because for us as members of the RFMF. The only thing that matters is winning at the Ratu Sukuna Bowl Rugby League competition,” Koroi said.