Vodafone Cup Rugby League West Zone: West Coast Storm Upset Army Bears

The Benji Navunisalevu-coached West Coast Storm caused a major upset with a 12-8 victory over unbeaten Army Bears in the Vodafone Cup Rugby League West Zone at the Fiji Air­ports ground in Namaka on Satur­day.

This was the Bears first loss after four rounds while Storms second victory in three matches.

The Storm trailed 6-0 at the half­time with try and conversion re­spectively to Army Bears Josaia Kata and Kelepi Komaisavou.

In the 50th minute, Esira Paconi scored and converted by Waisale Vesikula to level the score.

The Bears managed to kick one penalty through Komaisavou to lead 8-6 but it did not last long as Waisale Vesikula and Pita Basaga later on added a try and a conver­sion to seal the win.

In the last quarter, a brawl erupt­ed after two Storm players were sent off.

Team manager Sitiveni Kalouni­viti said it was a tough encounter as they expected the Bears to show their class.

“We hold on and I thank the boys for their fighting spirit.”

Meanwhile, in the Premier grade Blue Gas Police beats Navatulevu Nadi Herons 18-12.

Premier Grade: West Fiji Dolphins 38 - 12 HBK Lami Steelers, Raiders USP 22 – 14 Ravoravo Rabbitohs, Lautoka Crushers 20 – 38 Suva City Storm 38, Dee Cees Nadera Panthers 44 – 2 Nausori Bulldogs, Nabua Broncos 26 -2 Yasawa Saints.

Reserve Grade: Army Bears 16 – 1 West Coast Storm, Police Sharks 20 – 4 Navatulevu Herons, Dee Cee Nadera Panthers 26 – 10 Nausori Bulldogs, Nabua Broncos 12 – 4 Yasawa Saints, Lautoka Crushes 10 – 18 Suva City Storm, West Fiji Dolphins 48 – 4 HBK Lami Steelers, Raiders USP 0 – 8 Ravoravo Rabbi­tohs.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj