Fiji Bati await Kumuls-Cook Islands result after dominant 56-6 win to keep finals hope alive

The Vodafone Fiji Bati must wait for the result of the game between the PNG Kumuls and Cook Islands next week to determine their path to the final of the 2024 Pacific Championships.

This comes after their decisive 56-6 victory over the Cook Islands Aitu at the HFC Bank Stadium.

Fiji Bati is now relying on the Cook Islands to beat the Kumuls next week, which would result in them qualifying for a play-off against the third-ranked team from the Cup section in a promotion-relegation clash.

The Bati scored a total of 10 tries in front of a packed stadium with 5,900 fans who came to support the home team.

Fiji Bati's robust centre, Michael Jennings, scored three tries, while Maika Sivo, Semi Valemei, and Ben Nakubuwai each scored twice, with Sunia Turuva adding the opener.

The PNG Kumuls will face the Cook Islands in Port Moresby next Sunday at 3pm.