Tigers retain title

THE Lae Tigers defended the Melanesian Cup with a 32-8 win over hosts Ravoravo Rabbitohs at Lautoka’s Churchill, Fiji, on Saturday.
The Digicel Cup champions proved too strong for the Rabbitohs, scoring three tries in the first half. Fji champions Rabbitohs’ only point in the first half was through a penalty.
In the second half, the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side continued their fine performance to score in the first few minutes.
However, the hosts were finally able to break their opponent’s defence and later scored a try.
It was an improved Rabbitohs side in the second half as they threatened the Tigers line but the visitors’ composed defence was the key.
In the last few minutes of the match, it was the Stanley Tepend-coached Tigers who continued to dominate as they scored two more tries.
Former Papua New Guinea Kumul Tepend was overwhelmed with the win on Fiji soil again.
Tepend said the win was well deserved as the team stuck to their game plan.
Rabbitohs coach Sivaniolo Varo said silly mistakes hurt his side defensively especially in the first half. However, he congratulated his men for performing to their best.
No Fiji side has yet to lift the Melanesian Cup since its inception.
Meanwhile, the Tigers return home to continue preparations for their title defence in the upcoming Digicel Cup season.
Despite the loss of Joe Joshua, Charlie Simon, Junior Rop and Mark Piti to the SP Hunters, coach Tepend remains optimistic about their title chances. – FBC News