Army Green retain Escott Shield in extra time

The Army Green 15s rugby team retained the Escott Shield last night beating Navy 17-14 in a game that went into sudden death as both teams were tied at full time.

The Army boys started off the game well leading 6-nil with the Navy team recording the first try of the game thanks to Former Flying Fijians and Navy's Epeli Ruivadra who notched the first try and crossed the try line for the half time score to read 9-8.

In the second half, both sides stuck to their defensive game plan however Army were left stranded when Captain Dale Tonawai was red carded just ten minutes after the break for a high tackle.

At the full time whistle, the score line to read 14-all at full time.

The Army side had thought they had won the game but were told to return to the field for them to play 10 minutes of sudden death.

It was former national 7s rep Iliavi Satala who had just returned from peace keeping duties that nailed the winning drop goal that saw the Army Green side retain the 98 year old Shield.

Meanwhile, Army manager Netani Kaukimoce speaking after the game said that the Escott Sheild rightfully belongs in Nabua.