Malolo players in tears after shock loss
Vatukoula centre, Salanieta Lewanimataso, broke the hearts of the Malolo players in their 29-27 victory in the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup quarterfinal at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, yesterday.
Vatukoula created a major upset in the second match of the day.
They will take on Rewa in the semifinal while Navosa will meet Nasinu.
What happened: In the third minute Malolo No.8 Marica Salo crashed over for the first try as they led 5-0.
Vatukoula returned with two unconverted tries to first five eight Chanel Simpson and full-back Akeneta Nabalarua, as they led 10-5.
Malolo found their footing and scored two tries in the space of seven minutes to first five eight Asena Lewanatoga and Mere Sofi with the conversion coming from Titilia Raratabu.
Vatukoula leveled the scores with a try to centre Senimi Sigalau with Simpson landing the conversion.
Halftime: Vatukoula 17–17 Malolo.
Two minutes into the second spell, Nabalarua scored her second try with the conversion from Simpson as they led 24-17.
Malolo grabbed two more tries to centre Titilia Lawakeli in a space of six minutes to regain the lead 27-24.
It was right on injury time when Lewanimataso crossed the try line as the Malolo players broke down into tears.
Comment: Vatukoula strength and conditioning coach Abele Ratutabua said: “There was a lot of struggle in the season as we lost a few matches in the first round.
“We came to play in the quarterfinals but we did not know that we would go further than this. We will need to up our game in the semifinal.”
Other quarterfinal results
Navosa 27-17 Nanukuloa, Rewa 12-34 Northland, Macuata 32-45 Nasinu