The Fiji Bati humiliated the PNG Kumuls on home soil with a monumental upset of 43-16 victory in the third week of the Pacific Championship Bowl challenge on Sunday, October 29, at Santos National Football (NFS) Stadium in Port Moresby.
It was the biggest winning margin Fiji ever produced against PNG. The Batis have accomplished a small but significant feat over their Melanesian rivals, etching a new record into their archives.
This is the third time Fiji have defeated PNG at home. The Batis first defeated the Kumuls with a 14-10 win at the old Lloyd Robson Oval in 1998.
In 2011, Fiji beat PNG for the second time with a 26-12 scoreline at Rebiamul Oval in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province.
To say the Kumuls got owned and humbled by the Batis for the third time in front of the sold-out NFS Stadium in the Nation’s Capital is an understatement.
The Kumuls started the game strong, scoring the first try through a sleek scrum-base play, which saw fullback Alex Johnston cross over the line to give the hosts a 4-0 lead over the visitors. After that try, the red, black and gold army struggled to compete, allowing the Batis to score three unanswered tries to take a 19-4 lead at the break.
PNG tried to produce a herculean effort in the second half to stun Fiji, but it was all in vain. Their ill-discipline and ball handling errors did not give them a chance to stay in the fight. They were their own worst enemy.
The Batis capitalized on Kumuls’ ill-discipline and errors, making them pay the price. The visitors came as underdogs and smashed the highly favored home side, leaving everyone dumbfounded with an absolute demolition.
Fortunately, Kumuls have a chance to seek redemption on Sunday, November 5, when they go head-to-head with the Batis in the big dance to decide the champions of the Bowl challenge.
While Fiji will be eyeing the title to end their campaign on a high note, PNG have a score to settle with their Melanesian arch-nemesis. The final lap of the Pacific Championship Bowl challenge between the PNG Kumuls and Fiji Bati should be a mouthwatering affair to watch.
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