More than 8000 fans in Rochdale have been treated to a fiery rugby league match between the Fiji Bati and Ireland Wolfhounds, with the Bati running away 32-14 victors.
Akuila Uate opened the scoring for the Bati, earning his first of three tries eight minutes into the game on the wing.
Kevin Naqaima followed Uate three minutes later, after picking up a oddly-bounced kick and crashing over the line.
The game turned heated at the 18 minute mark, with Bati prop Ashton Sims warned for reacting after being dumped in a tackle - prompting a push-and-shove altercation between the sides and a team warning for Fiji.
After ten minutes of solid pressure, numerous penalties against the Bati and several repeat sets, the Fiji defence caved with Tyrone McCarthy scoring for the Wolfhounds on the wing.
Pat Richards was unable to convert, leaving the score at 10-4.
Eloni Vunakece was sent to the sin-bin with five minutes remaining in the first half, but Fiji still managed to score a penalty goal to extend the Batis lead to 12-4 at the break.
Fiji put their foot down in the second half, even with the pouring rain dampening the crowds spirits slightly.
Twelve minutes in Tariq Sims scored after the Ireland side fumbled the ball near their own try line; Sims scooped it up and swooped on the line to earn the four points.
Akuila Uate scored his second shortly after, with Korbin Sims adding to the Fiji tally with another try a few minutes later.
Uate wasnt finished either - scoring a hat-trick and blowing out their lead to 32-4.
Ireland rallied late in the game to score two quick tries through Damien Blanch and James Hasson, making the final scoreline 32-14 to the Bati.
Parramatta Eels co-captain and Kangaroos player Jarryd Hayne joined his former teammates in the Fiji Bati side on the field after the game, which you can see in the photo above.
Fiji 32 (Akuila Uate 3, Kevin Naiqama, Tariq Sims, Korbin Sims tries; Wes Naiqama 4 goals)
def.
Ireland 14 (Tyrone McCarthy, Damien Blanch, James Hasson tries; Pat Richards goal)
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Akuila Uate opened the scoring for the Bati, earning his first of three tries eight minutes into the game on the wing.
Kevin Naqaima followed Uate three minutes later, after picking up a oddly-bounced kick and crashing over the line.
The game turned heated at the 18 minute mark, with Bati prop Ashton Sims warned for reacting after being dumped in a tackle - prompting a push-and-shove altercation between the sides and a team warning for Fiji.
After ten minutes of solid pressure, numerous penalties against the Bati and several repeat sets, the Fiji defence caved with Tyrone McCarthy scoring for the Wolfhounds on the wing.
Pat Richards was unable to convert, leaving the score at 10-4.
Eloni Vunakece was sent to the sin-bin with five minutes remaining in the first half, but Fiji still managed to score a penalty goal to extend the Batis lead to 12-4 at the break.
Fiji put their foot down in the second half, even with the pouring rain dampening the crowds spirits slightly.
Twelve minutes in Tariq Sims scored after the Ireland side fumbled the ball near their own try line; Sims scooped it up and swooped on the line to earn the four points.
Akuila Uate scored his second shortly after, with Korbin Sims adding to the Fiji tally with another try a few minutes later.
Uate wasnt finished either - scoring a hat-trick and blowing out their lead to 32-4.
Ireland rallied late in the game to score two quick tries through Damien Blanch and James Hasson, making the final scoreline 32-14 to the Bati.
Parramatta Eels co-captain and Kangaroos player Jarryd Hayne joined his former teammates in the Fiji Bati side on the field after the game, which you can see in the photo above.
Fiji 32 (Akuila Uate 3, Kevin Naiqama, Tariq Sims, Korbin Sims tries; Wes Naiqama 4 goals)
def.
Ireland 14 (Tyrone McCarthy, Damien Blanch, James Hasson tries; Pat Richards goal)
Click here to see our World Cup hub, with video, photos and news from the UK!
