Speedster Waisea Leiroti’s extra time try has put Army in the final of the Coral Coast 7s men’s competition after beating reigning champions Police 22-17 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka today.
Captain Inia Tawalo scored the opener from his own kick and chase effort in the 1st minute but Rokoua Rasaku failed to convert as Army led 5-0.
Two minutes later, Onisimo Nawalu scored the second try for the side, almost in a similar fashion as the first try via a kick and chase effort.
Nawalu again got involved in play but as he was brought down by Petero Kelevanua, he inflicted the pass to Skipper Tawalo who barged over the Police defence to score and converted to extend the lead.
Police winger Tobia Matavua pulled one back just before the halftime break to narrow the scores to 17-5.
Police juggled hard in the second half while Army were reduced to 6 men when Eparama Senikuraciri was sent to the sin bin for foul play.
This opened up a chance for Police and it was Rauto Vakadranu who bulldozed through the Army defence and scored but his conversion failed.
Police continued to apply pressure and it was Terio Tamani who scored the crucial try and slotted the conversion to tie up the match.
In extra time, Police could have scored easily through Waisake Ravuiwasa but he knocked the ball on the try line.
And it was all left to Leiroti to seal victory for Army and send the champions out of the tournament.
In the first semifinal, Fire defeated Wardens by 12-7.
The grand final between Fire and Army will kick off at 6.10pm.
