By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
Fiji lost second extra time match to Samoa in the third place match for the Las Vegas 7s, 36-31.
It was another extra time match for both south sea Island teams, but Samoa’s Robert Lilomaiava managed to burst through the Fijian defense to score the winning try under the post.
Samoa started strong after Lolo Lui scored the opening try for their side, later converted, 7-0.
Fiji bounced back with Joji Raqamate scoring a try, 7-5.
Samoa came soaring back after Alatasi Tupou scored a try right after Afa Aiono scored to stretch their lead, 21-5.
Nadroga’s Samisoni Viriviri scampered through the Samoan defense to help set another try for Fiji, scored by Benito Masilevu, 21-10.
Samoa led halftime, 21-12.
24-year-old Samisoni Viriviri scored another try for Fiji right after the break, 21-17.
Samoa bounced back to extend their lead, after a try from Reupena Levasa, 26-17.
Viriviri continued to amaze the crowd after he ripped his way through the defense to score another try,26-22, Fiji continued to stretch their lead after another try from Masilevu, 31-26.
Samoa leveled the scores after a try from Lilomaiava, 31-31.
He later scored the winning try.