Apisai Naqaliva inspired Police with a hat-trick of tries and moving on to become the highest try scorer in the league whilst Navy overcame easily in the second half against the Air Force despite a 21-20 score at half time.
Army 18 – 27 Police
It was a very good start for the hosts where they led 08 – 00 within ten minutes of play through a try from Mohamed Absal and a penalty from Gayan Salinda. The Soldiers lost their attacking mode and swapped it with a defensive one. It did not go well for them as Police managed to capitalize possession and territory. We saw Apisai’s previous hat-trick against CR&FC in round one where Police won 41 -22 and that was a gladiator performance by the Fijian.
He was scoreless in the previous three outings and also coach Douglas Bursil tried him in various positions from fly half to full back. Against Army he started at 13 where Musheen Faleel joined him at 12 with Richard Lawson at 10 leaving Samantha Lakshan out of 23. Apisai not only proved he is a good utility back, he is capable of fitting into any back row position in the pack.
He was so monumental with his presence and ran with the ball in hand approximately 24 times and gained a distance of 226metres. If there is 20 more minutes to play, he will go all out as he would have vigor and will to play 100 minutes.
Apisai is almost everywhere and Police rely on him so heavily which is not such a good thing for the team despite the win. He was often involved in rucks, sometimes as first receiver on the attack, eagerly taking quick taps on penalties; on one occasion he ridiculously ran 20m on his third touch from their own 5m line.
In the below picture Eranga Weerakkody was waiting to receive the high ball and this Fijian just intercepted and made a 15m run.
Some could argue that Police only win when Apisai play on the other hand it is also the predominant fact that the opposite XV cannot stop that one man !
Army lacked communication and leadership in the middle once again. Also no Pio Tuwai or Sanivalati Ramuwai as they have returned to Fiji. By the look of it they will struggle against Havelock’s followed by Kandy. Although they left Kandy shell-shocked in round 1, Soldiers do not have the same quality on the bench.
Talking points : Army missing X factor – Apisai the Savior – Samantha Lakshan or Weerakkody ?
Navy 40 – 20 Air Force
Rizah Mubarak out with ankle injury resulted in last year’s highest points scorer Nuwan Hettiarachi starting the game. Navy went on to the break with a slight panic attack as the score stood 21- 20. Air Force took the lead twice in the first half but they had no option in the second half as Navy came back strong and dominated until final whistle.
Referee Nizam Jamaldeen is back with his whistle and was doing his duty after sometime.
Joeli Lutumailagi and Eramasi Navari combining in the center field was a little too much for the airmen to hold on. Navy take on Police this weekend after an easy win in round one with a 64 to 24 scoreline. Nevertheless, it will be an interesting battle as Apisai goes against Setefano Cakau/Navari/Lutumailagi with so many options for the Sailors.
Talking Points : Airmen valiant effort – Rizah Injured – Navy’s second half play
