It’s time to Bati

By Vatapuia Maiava 09 October 2016, 12:00AM

It was a tough match but even the home crowd advantage was not enough to keep the visiting warriors from Fiji at bay.

With the Toa Samoa leading after three consecutive tries in the beginning of the first half, the Bati buckled down and showed that it’s not over until the final whistle blows.

Edging their lead in the second half after an interception by Fiji Bati’s Tyronne Philips, the Fijians won the day 20-18.

“I feel fantastic for the player with the amount of effort they put in,” Fiji Bati head coach Michael Potter told the Sunday Samoan.

According to Mr. Potter, the key to their win was in their solid defense.

“I say our defense was the key to it,” he said.

“Even though we handed over so much procession we were still able to hold Samoa off and as we did that the Samoans still clung onto procession.

“They were just unlucky not to win but our defense was just so good. The team was just solid and they worked their bums off for their country,

“I know Samoa did the same. I am just happy we got an intercept and yeah, that was the difference.”

Potter continued with a word of gratitude towards their host county.

“Samoa has got some fantastic players,” he said.

“They have a lot of potential Samoa and I write them as a team and they certainly have some big players out there who stood up as well.

“I would like to thank all of the Samoan people for making us feel so welcome. It’s been a great experience being here for a little over a week and I am looking forward to another day of leisure in Samoa.“It’s just a great place and I think many people should come.”

As for try winning scorer, Tyronne Philips, he remains humbled by the victory.

“I give all the glory to all my team mates who did all the hard work,” he said.

“I am just a winger that has to communicate, talk it up and keep them going. Full credit to all the forwards who did all the work.

“I feel disappointed in the way I played but to get to win; all the glory to God and my teammates. The Toa put up a tough game and I wish them all the best for the future.

“I thank them for letting me come to their home country and I feel very blessed to be here.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 09 October 2016, 12:00AM
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