Despite difficulties to ob­tain their visa the Junior Bati rose to the occasion to book a semifinal spot against Tonga in the Rugby League Nines Commonwealth Cham­pionship in Moreton Bay, Aus­tralia.

The Josaia Rabele coached-side beat Scotland 14-10 and Wales 12-4 before going down to Australia 24-4.

Australia topped Pool A after they walloped Wales 32-0 and Scotland 36-0.

The hosts are favourites to win the Under-23 nines tournament, after scoring 90 points and con­ceding just four. Scotland avoided finishing bottom as they saw off Wales 24-0.

Rabele said while trying to sort out their visas the players did not have time to train together.

He indicated that two players did not travel with them.

“One of them Philip Shaw could not go because he was under a student bond,” Rabele said.

Junior Bati captain Apakuki Ta­vodi said it was not an easy com­petition but they were ready for the tough battle.

“There has been a lot of expecta­tion from our families and vanua. Our target is to do what is re­quired and improve on our game structures as move forward.”

Junior Bati: Apakuki Tavodi (c), Tevita Kalou, Sam Kurukitoga, Joeli Vulavou, Penaia Leveleve, Elia Lalama, Semi Blair, Jone Koroiduadua, Roseru Nai wa­setawa, Ananaiasa Moceicama, Netani Narisia, Timoci Namo­tukula, Mel Meya.

Meanwhile, in Pool B, Tonga topped the pile with a 100 per cent record. They thrashed Samoa 22-8, Papua New Guinea 20-12 and England 12-6.

The Samoans crept through in second place, beating England 28-10 and then Papua New Guinea 16-14. England’s 12-4 win over Papua New Guinea saw them fin­ish third.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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