MEMBERS of the Vodafone Fiji Under 20 side have dedicated their achievements to the residents of the Treasure Home in Nadi.
Co-captain Temo Mayavanua said their visit to the home before the game against Tonga inspired the players.
Even though the side drew both games against their Pacific brothers, the Fijians edged the Tongans on points difference.
The two sides recorded 15-all points in their first encounter and drew 26-all on Saturday.
But it was the Fijians who gained the maximum points for scoring six tries in both matches compared to Tonga’s two.
On Saturday, both teams were hungry for a win.
Tonga opened the floodgates with a wonderfully-worked lineout move inside Fiji’s 22 metre line.
A classic variation lineout move saw lock forward Tevita Oto scoring the first try for the game in the 11th minute.
The visitors increased their lead with a wonderfully-worked backline move that started from inside their 40m line for flyer Litani Pakalani to dive over.
Fiji bounced back with a powerful forwards surge that started from a lineout inside Tonga’s 22m line.
Skipper Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto marshalled his forwards in a maul for flanker Ratu Meli Derenalagi to dive over.
Tonga later capitalised from a penalty with fly half Netane Masima making no mistakes.
Fiji hit back with a spectacular try scored by halfback Peniasi Ranitu and later converted leaving the scores 14-13 Tonga.
Fiji started the second half strongly with the backs and forwards combining in a sequence of movements before outside centre Timoci Tavatavanawai breaking the defensive line to score a magnificent try.
Flyer Veramu Dikidikilati scored Fiji’s fourth try after another spectacular try that was started by his forwards inside Tonga’s territory.
The visitors hit back with two penalties in the 50th and 61st minutes to draw the game 26-all.
“We dedicate this achievement to the residents of the Treasure Home they inspired us throughout the whole 80 minutes,” said Mayavanua.
“Our performance wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of the Lord.
“Tonga gave us a good run for our money.”
