The Papua New Guinea Kumuls delivered a strong performance, defeating the Vodafone Fiji Bati 22-10 in their Pacific Bowl opener at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Fiji Bati began the match positively, but PNG winger Robert Derby quickly changed the momentum by intercepting the ball deep in his territory and sprinting 70 meters to score, quieting the local fans.
Veteran player Michael Jennings, making his debut for Fiji, had a try disallowed in the 22nd minute due to obstruction. Shortly afterward, fullback Nene McDonald assisted hooker Judah Rimbu in scoring the match’s second try with a stunning offload in the 25th minute.
Just before halftime, Slyvester Namo extended PNG’s lead to a comfortable 16-0 with another try.
Fiji Bati managed to score early in the second half through a try by Cowboys winger Semi Valemei. However, a few minutes later, Derby intercepted a pass from Viliame Kikau near his own line and raced nearly the entire length of the field, setting up McDonald for another try as he was pursued by Caleb Navale.
The home team did find the end zone again when Eels winger Maika Sivo scored late in the match, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
Following this defeat, Vodafone Fiji Bati have a week to regroup and prepare for their next match against the Cook Islands, scheduled for next Saturday in Suva.