By GEOFF STEVENSON
FIJI have claimed both Rugby League Nines gold medals at Apia Park on day two of the Pacific Games event, winning the women’s and men’s finals.
After going down to Papua New Guinea in yesterday’s pool game, the less-fancied Fijians upset the Kumuls, 14-0 in the final.
The Fijians, after leaking an average of 10 points a game on day one, defended stoutly to lead 4-0 at the break. The Kumuls tested the Fijian defence early in the second half before the Bati scored a length-of-the-field try.
Despite fielding a team of mostly local players, PNG were expected to take gold after winning all three of their pool games on day one.
Fiji earlier proved to the nemesis of the host nation after defeating Samoa for the second time in two days, while PNG easily took care of Tonga 12-0. This is Fiji’s second Nines gold medal after winning in the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia.
The Fijian women’s team won the first Women’s Nines gold medal after also defeating PNG in the final. The Fijian women remain undefeated for the 2019 Pacific Games event after the 16-4 gold medal victory.
The PNG Orchids held the Fijians to 4-0 at the break before tries to Timaima Ravisa and Merewarita Nai sealed the game for Fiji.
Despite losing the final, PNG captain Janet Johns heralded PNG Women’s silver medal as a milestone moment for women’s rugby league in her country.
The Samoan men’s team secured a bronze medal after defeating Tonga 16-12, while the Cook Island women claimed bronze with their 24-10 win over Samoa.Become a Patron!
