Police retains Bowl

The Fiji Times - Friday, October 30, 2009 7:54 PM

IN an evenly contested game played at pace Police defeated Army 14-11 to retain the prestigious Sukuna Bowl

At half time it was 11-all after the soldiers opened the accounts with an Iliavi Satala penalty. In reply Police capitalized from a lineout mistake then ended up with a try to lock Sairusi Kadi.

A second Satala penalty and try to Aisake Katonibau put Army in the lead but Police leveled terms with two Amani Bosenawai penalties.

It was Bosenawai’s field goal 15 minutes into the new spell which kept the teams apart in the end.

It was anybody’s game where basic mistakes by the soldiers cost dearly at the tfl National Stadium yesterday.

Former Flying Fijians assistant coach, Naitasiri mentor Joji Rinakama said Army paid dearly for the wrong options they took.

"The police side had problems with their set pieces. Their lineout was without a specialist lifter and jumper," Rinakama said.

“Had Army figured out their weakness they could have scored tries.”

Fiji Warrior and Police first-five-eighth Amani Bosenawai scored the winner from a 35-metre field goal.

But the Naluwai native took out the Best Player award.

Rinakama said the 24-year old played a pivotal role in the Police victory.

"Who knows he could be the next Nicky Little."

Rinakama said Army's Iliavi Satala could have scored two clear tries had he not kicked the ball with one defender to beat.

After the game Rinakama said he told the Army's team coach Tom Mitchell that his boys wasted a lot of possession.

"He admitted that was their mistake," he said.

But Police team loosemen of Iliesa Ratuva, Sairusi Kadi, Samu Bola, Mosese Volavola and skipper Etonia Naba created havoc in loose play.

They were engaged in every department of the play.
Rinakama said Army had only Dale Tonawai the specialist in loose play against Police loosies.

The former Nadroga mentor was impressed with match fitness displayed by the two teams.

"I'm really impressed with both teams match fitness"