By Jone Kalouniviti

THE Fiji Men's Open team just might have a slight chance of making the finals of the tournament after holding the Australia 32-all in a nail-biting encounter in the feature match of Day 5.

It was their second evenly contested match, but this time round Fiji led for most of the game but again loss of concentration in the last few minutes and a disorganized mid-court saw their opponents level at the brink of full-time.

The once empty spectator stands had a good crowd who witnessed the ever-improving outfit; perhaps the results of the Mixed team against Australia on Day 4 might have struck a cord.

Australia made eight positional changes in the match to find the right combination while Fiji made only two with ace goal shooter Mosese Gavidi entering in the second spell to score 18 points in total.

Fiji captain Ralulu Robanakadavu, who had another impressive game said the problem with the team was their mid-court combination.

Our mid-court players let us down a lot with constant turn-overs, with Gabriel Qoro ruled out to injury we do not have any other suitable replacement,'' said the former basketball representative.

Me and Suka (Waisale GD) got a lot of possession from Australia through goal tending and intercepts, but our players could not get it to the other side - but we take back a lot of positives with us.

"It really building our confidence.

Australia led the first 7-6, and the second 15-12, with Fiji leading by the third 23-22.

Mid-way into the final quarter Fiji established a 4-point lead but then all rhythm was lost as their more determined opponents caught up to level at the buzzer.

Australian Under 23 player pushed up to the Open Grade Jason Woolley (GS) once again saved the day for the Aussies using his speed and smaller size to get through closer to the goal post.