SADDENED by the loss of their comrade, the Labasa Police rugby team yesterday dedicated their win over Army to the late sergeant Isireli Moce.
With black ribbons tied around all the players' left arms, the cops gave no chance of victory to the men in green from Sukanaivalu camp. In a friendly warm-up match at Subrail park in Labasa, Police defeated the Bainivualiku (Army) team by 10-6.
Bainivualiku opened the match with a penalty kick
Police responded from a maul fifteen minutes before end of first match with Samuela Atonio's successful try taking them to a lead of 7-3 at half time. The second half of the match saw both teams with a penalty kick each to take the final score to 10-6.
The match was to help prepare the Bainivualiku team for this week's challenge of the Bougainville Cup against Navy in Suva.
Police coach Julian Ravuiwasa said his team were determined to win for the late sergeant Moce.
"The boys have been dedicated to the training this week and after we received news of the passing away of our friend, we decided to win the match for him. Team work showed by the boys on the field also helped us win the friendly match."
Most members of the police team play for the Macuata rugby team.
Army coach Waisale Turagasau said the friendly match was tough and a good game to prepare his boys for the challenge in Suva. "We leave for Suva tomorrow (today) to challenge the Navy team on Wednesday for the Bougainville Cup.
"We are prepared for the challenge and we want to come back to the north with the trophy."