PNG Kumuls opened their Pacific Championship campaign on a positive note following a 22-10 victory over Fiji Bati on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji.
Of the 11 encounters between the two sides from 1993 to 2024, PNG has defeated Fiji seven times and Fiji has beaten PNG four wins. The Kumuls’ dominance over the Batis in the last three decades is unrivalled.
The match started at a high intensity, with both sides launching themselves on the pitch. An intercept try by winger Robert Derby off Viliame Kikau’s failed offload in the 17th minute put the Kumuls on the front foot.
Seven minutes later, hooker Judah Rimbu scored the second try for the Kumuls through fullback Nene McDonald’s sheer brilliance, who used his brute strength and swerved past a couple of defenders to assist the crafty rake.
The Batis were under the pump, gasping for air to contain the Kumuls’ onslaught. Just three minutes before the half time, prop Sylvester Namo danced and ducked through the tiring defenders to score beside the uprights, giving PNG a 16-0 lead at the break.
A repeated set restart in the opening 7 minutes of the second half saw the Batis capitalise to score their first 4-pointer through winger Semi Valemei, reducing the deficit to 10 points (16-4).
In the 52nd minute, the Kumuls returned the favor through Robert Derby’s another intercept from Viliame Kikau, who ran 80 meters and assisted the eventual player of the match Nene McDonald for a touchdown.
After the 4-pointer by McDonald, a couple of tries came begging for both teams, but the finishing part was poor. Right on the stroke of full time, the Batis scored a consolation try through Maika Sivo, capping off the Pacific Bowl Championship opener in style.
Coach Jason Demetriou has tasted his first international win with the Kumuls alongside a few debutants, giving the red, black and gold tri-colors a much-needed impetus in anticipation of defending their Bowl Championship.
Fiji Bati will look to make amends when they face the Cook Islands Aitu on October 26th in Fiji, while the PNG Kumuls will host the Cook Islanders on November 3rd in Port Moresby. The winner of the Bowl Championship will meet the third-placed team of the Cup category on November 10th in Sydney.
PC: PNG LNG Kumuls
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