Fiji too strong

July 7, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji Sports | Posted by:

Fiji’s Matila Waqanidrola (right), intercepts Singapore’s Charmaine Soh’s pass during their LICI Test Series at the Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By ANASILINI ATUVA

Fiji won the first game in the LICI Fiji-Singapore test series defeating Singapore 66-23 at the Vodafone Arena last night.
The first quarter was equally contested but the Singapore shooters flunked their opportunities earlier on.
And this allowed the Fijians to capitalise and build on the momentum denying the visitors and keeping them at bay on the scoreboard. With commanding role in mid court by Alesi Raibevu and centre Vaiti Waqatabu, Fiji led 18-6 in the first quarter.
Singapore coach Kate Carpenter made changes in the second quarter bringing in lanky defender Chenli Li to block Taraima Mitchell. But this proved futile as Maria Lutua played another strong game.
And with strong defence from Matila Waqanidrola and Mere Qovu, the Fijians led 33-13 at halftime.
Coach Unaisi Rokoura replaced Mitchell with Nina Cirikisuva, Reijieli Daveiua for Luse Kotobalavu in wing defence, Taufa Taga in for Alesi Raibevu in mid court as wing attack and Unaisi Rauluni came in for Lutua.
The youngsters lifted the game to another level as Fiji extended the lead 51-20 at the third quarter.
Fiji dominated the last quarter as Rokoura reshuffled with Taga replacing Waqatabu, Raibevu coming back to wing attack.
Shooters Rauluni and Cirikisuva continue to shine in the semi circle and brought joy to the fans who turned out last night. Fulltime Fiji 66 Singapore 23.
Rokoura acknowledges the Fijian supporters last night.
“We just want to thank the Fiji fans for their support,”she said.
“We lifted our intensity in the first quarter and we maintained it throughout.”
Singapore assistant coach Yeo Mee Hong said Fiji were too good.
“We failed tonight but I just put my hat off to Fiji who played extremely well, they were too strong to beat,” Hong said.
Fiji plays Singapore in the second game at 4pm today.

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