Police Sharks have secured their spot in the Vodafone Cup semi-finals after beating Ravoravo Rabitohs 8-6.
They will take on Navy Albatross while Vusu Raiders will meet Mataivalu Bears for the semi-finals next week Saturday at Lawaqa Park. Manager Ratu Akuila Rokotua said they were expecting a tough competition from their opponents. As defending champion they know what is expected to from them.
“First of all we would like to thank our major sponsor Blue Gas and the main area that we will focus on is our discipline,” he said.
“As far for the game, we were expecting a tough match. “They were ruthless, they pressured us and we know their tactics because we have been playing against them for the past years.
“It was a close match and I am glad the boys gave their all for a win.”
Saru Dragons who defeated Army Bears 38-26 at Buckhurst Park, Suva have also secured themselves in the preliminary finals.
Mataivalu Bears five-eighth Ilikena Niumataiwalu setup the first points on the scoreboard with a solo try just five minutes from kick-off but a second try from fullback Ramotiqa couldn’t deny a total onslaught from a fiery thunder of Dragons.
Dominant across the first half of the match, the Dragons registered their first points on the scoreboard from sturdy inside center Isoa Vukeimatana coupled with 3 successive conversions and three penalties from Joseva Vetaukula before Ralulu crossed over for a third try and a solo from Vetaukula to help the Dragons lead 24 – 10 at the halftime hooter.
The Dragons halfback controlled the game in the wet and greasy conditions with his kicking game and also laid on two tries for fullback Viliame Tuidama and hooker Tuitakali as Dragons gradually wore the Bears down.
In other matches, Vusu Raiders pipped USP in a close encounter to win 26 – 22; the Sharks downed the Bunnies 8 – 6 in another thriller and the Panthers escaped the wrath of the Albatross to advance to preliminary finals scoring 20 – 16.
Dragons and Panthers Fans can look forward to the Preliminary Finals at Prince Charles Park on Saturday 27th August.
The FNRL Women’s Premiership and National Youth Cup finals series will kick-off next week at Lawaqa Park and will be held concurrently on Saturday 20th August with the Vodafone Cup semi-finals.
