The Police team celebrated a narrow 20-19 victory over the Army in the Vodafone Sukuna Bowl at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva today, successfully defending their title. This win marked the Police’s 34th championship out of a total of 66 contests held in this prestigious event.
From the outset, Police established an early advantage, driven by their solid defense, which enabled them to maintain their lead until the final whistle. The match began with a kicking duel, where Police flyhalf Ponipate Tuberi scored an opening penalty. Army responded quickly with a penalty from Jeremaia Tavai, leveling the score.
The momentum shifted as Army took the lead when Police’s Taitusi Lulusinu was sin-binned for an infringement, allowing Tavai to score again from the penalty spot. However, Lulusinu soon redeemed himself, assisting in a play leading to a try from Kini Douglas, which was successfully converted, giving Police a 10-6 edge at halftime.
In the second half, Police increased their lead with another penalty from Tuberi. Although Army narrowed the gap with a try from former Fiji 7s player Rokoua Rasaku, Police struck back with a try from prop forward Inoke Ravuiwasa, further extending their score.
As the game drew to a close, Army’s Rokoua Rasaku ignited the crowd with a second try, but missed conversion attempts by Tavai proved costly. In the final moments, Police maintained control of the game, and Douglas added stability with a goal attempt that sealed the match.
The Police team’s lineup showcased a combination of talent and experience, and their victory not only highlighted their resilience but also their tactical prowess as they secured yet another title in the storied history of the Vodafone Sukuna Bowl.
This hard-fought match serves as a testament to the spirit of competition and sportsmanship, leaving fans hopeful for future encounters that promise excitement and determination on the field. The victory also reinforces the camaraderie and honor inherent in this long-standing rivalry and celebration of local sports.
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