The Fiji Police Force has taken the early lead in the lead-up up to the 2024 Vodafone Ratu Sukuna Bowl rugby extravaganza on Saturday, winning the cricket competition by a single run and in the boxing ring, six of the nine bouts.
The excitement started at Albert Park in Suva, where the Police team edged the defending champions, Army, with a 117-116 win, to claim the Ratu Sukuna Cricket trophy. It was a nail-biter, with both teams giving it their all, but in the end, the Police came out on top by the slimmest of margins.
This victory gives the Police an early lead in the week-long Ratu Sukuna Bowl tournament, setting the tone for the upcoming events, including netball, soccer, rugby league, touch rugby and volleyball.
The boxing matches, which began in the afternoon, kept fans on the edge of their seats with some exciting and hard-fought contests. While the Police dominated the ring, it was Army that won the opening bout via Rusiate Qalo who defeated Police’s Solomone Catarogo on points in the 57-60kg. Army also claimed the 71-75kg and 80-96kg divisions via Noa Yabakidrau (vs Jone Fesaitu) and Samuela Naqari (vs Jone Tuitabu) respectively.
Police won all other weight divisions, starting with Jone Davule with a decisive win over Pita Nasowaqa in the 60-63kg division, followed by Josaia Veiqaravi’s win against Anare Inosi in the 67-71kg class. Naibuka Kumuiwalu continued the streak, overpowering Poasa Qalokivuya in the 75-80kg division, while Solomone Tikoisuva outmaneuvered Kimo Vakalalabure in the 82-92kg bout. Nemani Tuinalolo capped of the performance in the heavyweight 92+kg category, defeating Sainivalati Maurice.
The boxing action resumes at 2pm at LICI Court in Laucala today.
