Police clinched the Vodafone Sukuna Bowl title with a narrow 20-19 victory over the Army during a thrilling match at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This win marked the Police’s impressive 34th title out of a total of 66 challenges to date.
The match saw Police take an early lead, thanks to a penalty kick from flyhalf Ponipate Tuberi. Army quickly responded with a penalty from Jeremaia Tavai, leveling the score. As the game progressed, an infringement by Police halfback Taitusi Lulusinu resulted in him being sinbinned, giving Army the opportunity to take the lead with another penalty from Tavai.
Upon returning to the field, Lulusinu turned the tide for Police by orchestrating a play leading to Kini Douglas’s try in the corner, which was converted, allowing the Police to take a 10-6 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Tuberi continued to excel, adding another penalty for Police. An exciting moment came when Army’s Rokoua Rasaku scored their first try, although Tavai missed the conversion, narrowing the gap to just two points. The Police responded with a powerful try from prop forward Inoke Ravuiwasa, which Tuberi successfully converted.
As the final minutes approached, Rasaku electrified the crowd with a second try, but once again, Tavai missed the conversion that could have granted Army the lead. In a tense finish, Police managed to maintain possession as time expired, securing their victory.
This nail-biting match highlights the enduring spirit of competition, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. With strong teamwork and strategic plays, the Police demonstrated their abilities on the field, not only adding another title to their name but also fostering a sense of community pride among fans.
In light of this victory, fans can look forward to future matches that promise similar excitement and competitiveness, reflecting the rich sporting tradition in the region.
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