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.

See full match report below.

AFL: 3 Test Challenge Series – Nauru vs Fiji

Second Test – Tuesday 20th November 2012, Albert Park, Suva

SCORES:

	1/4 time	Half Time	3/4 time	Final
Nauru Chiefs:	2.2.(14)	7.3.(45)	9.5.(59)	11.9.(75)
Fiji Tribe:	3.3.(21)	4.3.(27)	4.5.(29)	5.5.(35)

GOALS:
Nauru – Johnny Dagiaro (3), Richard Menke (2), Jonas Amwano (2), Trent Depuane, Rocky Grundler, Timothy Teabuge, Geronimo Daniel.
Fiji – Mesake Koroijnr (4), Alipate Navuso

BEST PLAYERS:
Nauru – Charles Dagiaro, Donatello Moses, Odrae Stephen, Johnny Diagaro, Jefferson Waidubu
Fiji – Mesake Koroijnr, Maciu Raida, Alipate Navuso, Nick Ryan, Richard Niulevu, Josua Soromaiwasa

REPORTS: Nil

INJURIES: Max Wolfgramm (concussion/stitches)

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

In front of a great local crowd of supporters for both teams, a fired up Fiji was determined to do better yesterday (Tuesday) after last Friday’s crushing 16-goal loss to Nauru. This time the Tribe went down to the visiting Chiefs by just 6 goals after actually leading at the first term break. They battled hard all day, but failure to effectively use the wind behind them in the critical third term largely inhibited their success.
Nauru’s experience, discipline and well-rounded game play again made a difference between the two teams, but they did not have it all their own way – as the result shows. Fiji again showed courage, commitment and passion for the ball and a better understanding of structure and strategy on this occasion, but were let down time and again by foolish errors compounded by defiant back-chatting to the umpires. Two ten minute sin-bins, two 50metre penalties (out of four) that resulted in goals, two spear-tackles, countless marking infringements, and too many illegal tackles, all worked against Fiji’s otherwise rugged and well-constructed performance. Senior Umpire Nicholas Karl is to be commended for his patience. The series is therefore decided, but this Friday’s match will still be of interest to see if the locals can pull one back for themselves. They deserve it, but much will depend on whether they have learned that winning footy is about deciding whether one wants to be a player or an umpire – one cannot be both at the same time on the field.

Dr Robert Wolfgramm
Director and Tour Coordinator
AFL Fiji

AFL Nauru President Mathew Batsiua stated that wet weather contributed to the closer result. "Much closer match due to very wet and tough conditions. The Chiefs are nursing a few players with injuries so just fielding a team for the 3rd and final match will be a challenge. "