Nadi Aviators

In their first encounter with the Lae Snax Tigers last year, the Aviators were trounced 40-4 at Lawaqa Park, Singatoka, Fiji.

At the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday, the Fijians were right in the contest until the final whistle, going down 38-22.

“It was very physical. We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said captain, Josateki Sovau.

“We came with a very young side and that’s a gain for us because we were exposed to international level and hopefully, we can come back stronger in the next few years and win the Cup.”

The Tigers were on the board inside the first ten minutes through fullback Joe Joshua.

The visitors registered their first points when they opted to kick for goal.

They soon found the try line just minutes later when Sikeli Qauqau reached over to slam the ball down.

A successful conversion put the Aviators in front by four points.

But they let the Tigers back in when lazy defence allowed Mafu Kales to sneak in a four pointer.

Tawake said this upon the team's arrival after lunch today.

"We're very happy with the reception we got today,” said Tawake.

"For about 80 percent of us, this is our first time here so we're really excited.

"We've had much better preparation for the match. We've been in training since November so expect a good game on Saturday.

"We are Melanesian brothers so we have to share. It's about time we take the Cup back home to Fiji."

The two sides met earlier this year in February, and it was the Tigers who won convincingly, handing the Aviators a 40-4 beating at Lawaqa Park, Singatoka, Fiji.

The 2018 Melanesian Cup Challenge will be played in Port Moresby in February.

The Agmark Gurias were the first team to win the Melanesian Cup Challenge, thumping the Sabeto Roosters 42-2 in Port Moresby back in 2015 when the concept was first introduced. 

An elated Coach Stanley Tepend said the teams win must be credited to the team’s play structure, both in defence and in attack on the field during the 80 minutes encounter.

Tepend in recounting the team’s performance said the team had stuck in the first 10 minutes of the first half, however, came back strong settling with three converted tries to lead at 18 points at half time.

He said the Aviators had been strong in defence against the Tigers in the first half but could not maintain the grip in the remaining minutes of the game.