POLICE Sharks have engraved their name in the Fiji National Rugby League history book as the new champions of the Vodafone Cup.
The side defeated a gutsy Burenitu Cowboys side 18-10 in the final at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park yesterday to win its first premier title in the country.
Bolstered by the services of eight of last year’s winning Sabeto Roosters team members, the Sharks survived a brutal test against the Cowboys to win.
Former Sabeto Roosters hard hitting forward Peniasi Wakawaka scored two tries while another former Roosters player Roger Qoro added four points from his boot. Forward Lasaro Turagaidrau also scored for the Sharks while the Cowboys managed to score a try each in each spell.
The bigger Sharks forwards were stretched to the wire by the gutsy Cowboys in the first spell to hold a narrow 8-6 lead, but size mattered in the second spell as the lawmen bulldozed their way past the oppositions to score two tries to the Cowboys’ one.
Experience, size and class separated the Sharks from the Cowboys.
Centre Semisi Qoro was named the best player of the final after making some clean breaks with neat sidesteps and sheer pace to help his team gain more running metres.
However, the Cowboys should hold their heads high despite the loss for giving the Sharks a good run for their money.
Led by former Fiji 7s captain Neumi Nanuku, the Cowboys who are smaller in size, did not give up the fight as they evenly competed against Police.
Police manager Aminisitai Seru said the win had set a platform for next year’s Police Rugby League World Cup.
“History has been created in the Fiji Police Force. We are thankful to the Fiji Police Force and also the Police Commissioner and our families for their support,” he said.
Cowboys mentor Sakiusa Dautikoilau said: “I commend my troops for their gutsy effort. Reaching the final was a huge achievement.”
Meanwhile in other grade finals held yesterday, Dee Cees Nadera Panthers downed KBL Saru Dragons 4-0 to win the U14 title while West Storms thumped KBL Dragons 16-0 in the U16 final. Nadi Eels escaped with a narrow 14-12 over the Coastline Roos in the U18 final while newcomers Ravoravo Rabbitohs defeated KBL Saru Dragon 16-10 to win the senior reserve title.
