The Police team triumphed over Army with a narrow 20-19 victory in the Vodafone Sukuna Bowl, held today at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. With this win, the team under skipper James Brown has now secured their 34th title out of a total of 66 competitions.
Right from the start, Police showcased a strong defense and quickly gained an advantage with a penalty kick from flyhalf Ponipate Tuberi. The Army responded with a penalty converted by Jeremaia Tavai, momentarily leveling the score. However, Army took the lead after a sin binning of Police’s Taitusi Lulusinu allowed Tavai to score again.
Lulusinu redeemed himself shortly after his return, facilitating a try by Kini Douglas, which was converted, giving Police a narrow lead of 10-6 at halftime.
As the second half unfolded, Tuberi secured another penalty for Police. Army narrowed the gap with a try from their former Fiji Sevens player, Rokoua Rasaku. The momentum shifted as Police prop Inoke Ravuiwasa powered over the line for another try, successfully converted by Tuberi.
In the tense final minutes, Rokoua made a remarkable effort with his second try, though Tavai missed the crucial conversion that could have swung the game in Army’s favor. As time ticked away, Police retained possession after a penalty against Army and Douglas took a final kick at goal, sealing the match and securing the victory for his team.
This hard-fought victory underlines the resilience and determination of the Police team, showcasing their strong teamwork and strategic play throughout the match. With their 34th title in hand, they not only celebrate a significant victory but also continue to build on their storied legacy in Fijian rugby.
In summary, the Vodafone Sukuna Bowl was a thrilling showcase of skill and competition, highlighting the vibrant spirit of the sport in the region. The hope is that this victory will inspire the Police team to carry forward their momentum into future matches, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in rugby.
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