Fiji Pick up the pace in the mixed Competition
The Sakiusa Rokodi led Fiji One Mixed team almost caused the first upset of the tournament as Australia scored in the last 15 seconds to draw them on 43-all.
Probably the biggest turn-around of the tournament, the Fiji Mixed team came back from a 72-27 trashing from New Zealand on Day Three and shifted their game up two gears against the undefeated Aussies.
In the end, four missed goals for Fiji proved the crucial for Australia to level.
Fiji led all the way and mounted pressure on the Australians from the word go.
Their inter-passing was better, communication and foot working almost perfect enough to offset their opponents.
The experience of Aussie captain Scott Fort and mid-court players Jennifer Jamieson (WD) and Louise Dickeson (WA) saw them inch in slowly through Fiji's defense .
Fiji captain Rokodi, a former national in basketball top scored with 29 points.
Australia being under pressure for the first time against Fiji missed 13 goals compared to Fiji's 10.
Fiji vice Unaisi Rokoura said the difference for them was the change in umpires.
Oceania badge holders David Pala'amo and Simione Teva came in to officiate after constant complaints on the standard of refereeing.
"We badly lost out to New Zealand because of frustrations with the umpires, we just lost everything, tonight we could play to our best with fair ruling,'' said Rokoura.
"We needed because our spirits really took a thrashing after New Zealand on Tuesday - I am a bit disappointed we could not hold on until the end but that's sports for you.''
Fiji led in the first with 10-9, finished half-time leading 23-16 and the third quarter 37-26 before Australia made their big comeback with Anthony Goode scoring 14 in
the last to level.
In the other match of the evening, the Fiji Mixed 2 team pipped Cook Islands 49-47.
Scorers:
Fiji
Sakiusa Rokodi (GA) 29 points
Seruwaia Vonolagi (GS) 14 points
Australia:
Anthony Goode (GA) 27
Georgia Cambell (GS) 16
Player of the match: Fiji's Seferosa Attack at wing defence and Australia's captain Scott Fort at Centre
Misses at goal:
Fiji 10
Australia 13
Last Modified on 12/08/2004 07:58
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