Favourites Tabusoro Fiji claimed the Vodafone – Tri Nations 15s Championship in a closely contested decider against Tokouso – Samoa/Tonga at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.

Captain courageous Josua Koroi led by example and scored the winning try in Tabusoro’s 24-20 win on Saturday.

In an exciting contest – one of the best matches of the year between these two evenly matched teams – the lead changed six times throughout the match before Koroi crossed the line in the 77^th minute of play to help push his team in-front and win the match by 24-20.

Although pre-match people were tipping Tabusoro as slight favourites, the Tokouso side had other ideas and fought till the end.

After a slow start, Tokouso missed successive penalty kicks before Tabusoro’s first five eight Kelepi Komaisavou gave his side 3-0 lead.

Tokouso levelled the match with a successful kick from replacement kicker Afeleti Iona before Leki Vahefoou crossed the line to give them a 10-3 lead. Tabusoro did not give up and scored through Lai Rogorogoivalu to level the match.

With the halftime score at 10-all, the second half did not disappoint as both teams fought tooth and nail for the win.

Winger Koroi gave Tabusoro a 17-10 lead early into the second spell with a try converted by Komaisavou before Iona cushion the deficit 17-13 with a successful kick.

In the 65^th minute Tokouso were awarded a penalty try, after repeated Tabusoro scrum infringements, for them to take the lead, Tokouso 20-17.

However in the 77^th minute of play, Tabusoro rallied together and after repeated attacks they were able to conjure a try to their right winger Koroi to score underneath the goalpost.

Komaisavou, who missed a three pointer minutes earlier, stepped up to convert the try and seal the 24-20 win.

Tokouso’s inspirational fullback Afeleti Iona and hard-working number eight Leki Vahefoou and Tabusoro’s strong running of midfielder Lai Rogorogoivalu and ultra-busy loose forward Jovilisi Naqitawa were given the best and fairest awards.

Ben Koteka of Cook Islands Rugby Union thanked their naming sponsor Vodafone for supporting the vision to “inspire and unify our communities”, to all the teams (CI Residents, Tokouso – Samoa/Tonga ad Tabusoro – Fiji) and their amazing management, to all the clubs that have shared the Saturday hosting rights – the Arorangi Rugby Club, Tupapa Rugby Club and Avatiu Rugby Club – for the use of your wonderful facilities, our match officials, the ball boys, host broadcast Pasifika TV and all the loyal volunteers and supporters who make it happen – thank you and God bless always.

On Wednesday, the U13 Rarotonga Primary Schools Quick Rip 7s Championships (Boys and Girls) will be held at Ngatangiia Field. The Raro 7s and U17 Youth 7s Tournament will take place on December 10 and 11 at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Results

Tabusoro – FIJI: 24 (Tries: Josua Koroi (2) & Lai Rogorogoivalu. Conv: Kelepi Komaisavou (3) Pen: K Komaisavou) Tokouso – Samoa/Tonga: 20 (Tries: Leki Vahefoou & Penalty try. Conv: Afeleti Iona (2) Pen: A Iona (2))