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Game Day 7 - Speedy Fijians blitz China and sprint into Div 2 GF

  • Thursday, August 25 2011 @ 06:16 pm ACST
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International Cup 2011

The Fiji Tribe reaffirmed their dominance over Division 2 yesterday, holding the China Red Demons goalless after quarter time and running out 86-point winners.

The first term was a relatively tight affair, with the Chinese scoring a goal just before the break to go into the break only 9 points down, 3.3 to 2.0 at quarter time.

In the second quarter however, Fiji's running game tore the contest wide open, kicking 7 unanswered majors in the term. The young, fit Fijian side were running in numbers, repelling China's forward forays with a string of handpasses and accurate kicking to their forward targets. Dylan Wolfgramm was invaluable in directing play for the Tribe, assisted by Koroi, Kasivi, Vesikara and Max Wolfgramm.

At half time, the Fijians were 52 points in front, although the Chinese had mounted a few attacks through midfielders Pi Jiaming and Yang Ming, whose experience in Melbourne suburban footy showed.

The Chinese came out of the blocks firing in the third term, but the Fijians again had the answers and quickly settled back into their routine, Max Wolfgramm expertly roving the pack for Fiji's first goal of the quarter. This was followed by three more, the margin out to 81 points by three quarter time.

The last quarter saw neither side able to kick a goal, with the Fijians doing most of the attacking but China's relentless pressure in defence holding them out.

Lu Jian snapped over his shoulder for what looked like it might have been a spectacular Chinese goal, but he hit the post for what would be China's last score of the game, Fiji deserved 86-point winners.

The Fijians now look forward to Friday's clash with France for the Division 2 title, whilst China will East Timor in the 5th place playoff (17th overall in the IC11).

Fiji 3.3 10.6 14.11 14.17 (101)
China 2.0 2.2 2.2 2.3 (15)

Goals
Fiji: W. Vesikara 3, L. Bolenaivalu 2, F. Stolz 2, M. Koroi 2, S. Magitidausiga , S. Selavou , D. Wolfgramm , R. Niulevu , M. Wolfgramm
China: Xu Jian , Ding Guanqun

Best Players
Fiji: W. Vesikara, M. Koroi, D. Wolfgramm, S. Mateiwai, L. Bolenaivalu, G. Kasami
China: Qiu Hao, Gao Yang, Ding Guanqun, Xu Jian, Pi Jiaming, Zhao Liutao