Finals: The Cook Islands vs Fiji
The Grand Finals for the 2009 Mini Games League Tournament features the host nation – The Cook Islands vs Fiji. In the capable hands of Ref Robert Bowen who is ably assisted by Mr Sean Willis &
A tense battle of Pacific neighbours with Cook Islands kicking off into Fiji territory. Fiji gain valuable possession through their speed and natural ability but struggle to convert this into points. Cook Islands work hard and consistently edge into Fiji territory and are rewarded with the first try to No. 7 Bobby Hansen, with the conversion unsuccessful, the Cook Islands take an early lead of 4 – 0. The Cook Islands are edged on by the local crowd with the Fijian delegation basing themselves on the banks of the BCI stadium in full vocal support of Team Fiji.
Team Fiji score a beautiful 20 metre dash to the try line by No 1. vice captain Seruvi Ralulu and is successfully converted to take Fiji into the lead by 6 – 4. Team Cook Islands quickly reply with a hard earned and physical push across the line with a try to No. 8 Mau George. With the conversion unsuccessful Team Cook Islands take the lead with 8 - 6. After a very physical first half, Team Cook Islands edge out Team Fiji to take a lead of 8 -6 at half time.
Fiji open up the second half with a deep kick into the Cook Islands territory. Team Cook Islands slowly edge their way back into the Fiji 20 metre. Fiji hold strong with their defence and deny the Cook Islands another opportunity to capitalise.
Minor handling errors by Team Cook Islands showed desperate defensive barriers which Team Fiji slowly infiltrated. Team Fiji were rewarded with a hard earned try to No. 8 Luke Osborne which is successfully converted to give Fiji a lead of 12 – 8.
A general lapse in concentration by Team Cook Islands, ensured try scoring machine No. 8 Luke Osborne to run away with another 4 points for Fiji, giving them a lead of 16 – 8 after the unsuccessful converstion.
Team Fiji scored another try through No 10. Solomone Qetia. The conversion unsuccessful ensured Fiji a lead of 20 – 8. A final effort to revive the Cook Islands came was made possible by extra hard working forward No. 12 Sema Mataora was successfully converted. Fiji continued with their lead over the Cook Islands 20 – 14.
With the full time hooter going off, Team Cook Islands were unable to edge ahead of the speed that Fiji had provided. The Gold Medal going to Team Fiji. Team Cook Islands coming out with the Silver Medal and Team Samoa settling for the Bronze Medal.
Last Modified on 30/09/2009 12:22