The Army FTG rugby team celebrated a thrilling victory, narrowly defeating Mokani 25-24 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. This hard-fought win secures their place in the finals of the Tailevu Rugby Club competition, scheduled for the upcoming week. Head coach Atunaisa Vodovodo commended his players for their determination and acknowledged the challenge posed by Mokani, especially due to their strong home support.
Vodovodo provided clear motivation for his team, emphasizing the need to approach the match as if it were the final, urging his squad to give an outstanding effort. “We had to play until the last whistle,” he remarked, aware of the pressure from Mokani’s home crowd. The game remained fiercely contested, culminating in a pivotal score by Army in the last ten minutes, allowing them to reclaim the lead just as Mokani seemed to lose momentum.
In a deliberate tactical decision, Vodovodo instructed his forwards to focus on maintaining ball possession, avoiding the wide-ranging style that Mokani preferred. This strategy proved effective, resulting in key tries that propelled the Army team to victory. With this win, the squad is now focused on regrouping for their final match against Nadali, with hopes of securing the championship title.
In other news from the competition, Nadali triumphed over Vunivaivai with a close score of 26-21 to also earn a spot in the finals. Additionally, the tier 2 finals will feature Cautata facing Off against Naqeledamu, setting the stage for an exhilarating week for the rugby community in Tailevu. Fans and players alike can look forward to showcasing their skills in what promises to be an electrifying final.