World Footy News

The Canadian Northern Lights defeated a much improved Fiji Vonu on a foggy morning at Mulgrave Reserve, hosted by the Eastern Devils for Community Round.

Fiji were winning the early knockouts, with #14 Cathy Bale dominating in the centre, but the Canadians still read the play and took to early lead with #10 Aimee Legault opening up the scoring. The Lights kicked the only three goals of the quarter and kept the Vonu scoreless. To make matters worse #14 Bale received a concussion and had to sit out the rest of the match. Canada led Fiji 3.2.20 to 0.0.0.

The Fijians fought hard and made things difficult for the Lights, but the Canadians still dictated the play and pulled away further on the score board. Tempers flared and unnecessary contact led to the start of a few tussles, but it was still to the benefit of the Canadians who led at half time 4.6.30 to 0.0.0.

The third quarter was an improved one for the Vonu, who kept it in their offensive half for the start of the quarter. The Fijians finally got on the scoreboard with what, by the celebrations and dance moves, everybody thought to be a goal. Despite scoring no goals in the third quarter, the Vonu also kept the Lights goalless, allowing only two behinds through. Canada led 4.8.32 to 0.0.1 at three quarter time.

The result was never in doubt by the final quarter, but the Fijians never gave up, including #12 Litia Matanisigadrau popping up all over the field. The Canadians continued their run, adding a five more goals, ending with Jen Nicholls’ second goal just before the final siren.