World Footy News

The second match of the historic 3 test series that sees Fiji host Nauru over 8 days was played yesterday evening at Albert Park in Suva. The FijiSun reports that the Fiji Tribe showed a much improved performance going down to the Nauru Chiefs by 40 points. The final result Nauru 75 def Fiji 35.

A full match report of game two will follow soon.

The first match was won by Nauru by 100 points with the full match report provided by AFL Fiji below.

The Thursday evening official welcoming function held at the Albert Park pavilion was attended by both teams and staff. Kava was served by AFL Fiji to thier Nauru guests in the traditional Fijian ceremonial manner. AFL Fiji staff also supplied supper and soft drinks for all

AFL: 3 Test Challenge Series – Nauru vs Fiji

First Test – Friday 16th November 2012, Albert Park Suva

SCORES:

	1/4 time	Half Time	3/4 time	Final
Nauru Chiefs:	5.6.(36)	10.10.(70)	16.12.(108)	22.15.(147)
Fiji Tribe:	1.2.(8)	2.3.(15)	4.4.(28)	7.5.(47)

Goals
Nauru: I. Daniel 4, D. Cook 3, J. Amwano 3, G. Grundler 2, R. Menke 2, J. Kanimea 2, T. Waidubu 2, T. Teabuge, J. Dagiaro, C. Dagiaro, S. Adire
Fiji: O. Dreketirua 2, S. Cati 2, J. Cuvatoka, A. Navuso, M. Wolfgramm

Best
Nauru: T. Teabuge, T. Depaune, I. Daniel, D. Cook, J. Uepa, Y. Harris, G. Grundler
Fiji: M. Koroi, J. Vateitei, R. Niulevu, M. Raida, S. Navuso, B. Rokotuitai, S. Cati

Reports: Nil

Injuries: R. Satto (Nauru) – Fractured rib

Umpires: Jack Wolfgramm (Fiji), Nicholas Karl (Nauru)

The 100-point drubbing of Fiji’s inexperienced Tribe by Nauru’s well-oiled and efficient Chiefs was deserved and a true reflection of the gap between the two nations in terms of footy ability. But it exaggerates the closeness of the contest for the ball throughout the match, and does not accurately reflect the commitment, endeavour and discipline shown by the Fijians despite being behind all day.
While the outcome of the match was perhaps a foregone conclusion, stand-in coach, Richard Babovic, is to be commended - the Tribe did not lose for the wrong reasons, but simply because they were outplayed by a team that showed it knows how to play the game in tight situations. Nauru gave an outstanding and admirable performance winning the first of the series by playing in front, by disposing of the ball quickly and accurately, by tight marking of their Fijian opponents, and by creating loose players around the ground. All of which added up to possession and possession eventually wins games.
Fiji Tribe is still learning both the finer points of ball-handling as well as the application of the rules of the code, and Nauru’s umpire, Nicholas Karl, was gracious in his willingness to advise each player carefully of his infringement. At half-time Karl also addressed the Fiji team to encourage them and outline some fundamental flaws in their ball-handling. It is a measure of the friendly spirit in which the match was played, that the Tribe players applauded Karl for his advice. The resulting improvement in the Tribe’s performance can be seen in its kicking five goals in the second half of the match against an unrelenting Nauru.

On Tuesday (20th), the Nauru Chiefs can be again expected to underline their dominance and experience, while locals will be hoping to see ongoing improvement in Fiji’s game.

Dr Robert Wolfgramm
Director, AFL Fiji