Vilimaina stars in West women win
CENTRE Vilimaina Limainawai starred for the Western State Maroons as the side edged Eastern State Blues 16-14 to win the Pherrus State of Origin women's title for the first time.
Having won the Fiji National Rugby League Pherrus State of Origin game one 12-4 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva last month, the Maroons staged a dramatic late rally to create history during Game Two at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
Limainawai scored a brace of tries with the decisive one on the stroke of full time which draw the teams at 14-all.
Her touch down near the post allowed stand-off (five-eighth) Ana Tukere an easy conversion for victory.
Maroons team manager Nanise Tuqiri expressed delight with the result.
Tuqiri said the girls kept working hard after the first match.
She said the aim was to win the second match and create history.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed towards the team,” Tuqiri said.
“It was all about teamwork. There was a lot of work done behind the scene. The girls had their own training program and made many sacrifices.
“We were down at halftime and I told the girls that this was the decider. We don't want to go into the third game. They showed a lot of guts and determination to make it two wins in a row and claim the title.”
Blues coach Asaeli Saravaki said losing in the game in the last minute was just heartbreaking.
The former Fiji Bati rep said there was only a few seconds to go on the clock when the Maroons equalised.
“To lose in that manner is very upsetting,” Saravaki said.
“Many of the girls are new to the sport and are in the learning process.”
Both teams made a slow start trying to adapt to the wet and slippery conditions. Ball control proved to be a vital factor as the players lost possession at crucial stages.
Limainawai opened the account for the home team in the 28th minute. The visitors hit back four minutes later through winger Virisila Buagalala. The Blues kept up the momentum and fullback Asenaca
Diranuve slipped past the Maroons defenders to score four minutes later. The try was converted by scrum-half Selai Raraki.
The Blues led 10-4 at the break. Maroons’ fullback Alesi Naudu scored the second try on resumption of the second spell and Tukere converted to level.
The Blues made good use of a turnover by the Maroons in the 60th minute spreading the ball wide for hooker Salote Sukakinamena to dive over in the corner.
The Maroons with their never die spirit put on a few big tackles which resulted in turnovers allowing them to gain possession and territory eventually claiming victory in the dying stages and the match.
Maroons XIII: Alesi Naudu, Ilisapeci Voliti, Vasiti Adi Maira, Vilimaina Limainawai, Limiva Tuvou, Ana Tukere, Unaisi Baleivione, Qivi Seavula, Kelera Kalidredre, Laisayani Dakolo, Siteri Luvukaiciwa, Merewairita Nai, Karavaki Lutumaibau. Reserves: Ivamere Tuimavule, Olimiva Tinaitamana, Lowami Raikari, Josivini Ratunivatulele.
Blues XIII: Asenaca Diranuve, Luisa Radinitukai, Taraivosa Tagivetaua, Virisila Buagalala, Vasemaca Radiniburelevu, Selai Raraki, Alesi Kilawekana, Salote Sukakinamena, Mere Kilawekana, Aseri Loko, Luisa Lawakeli, Akisi Leweniqila. Reserves: Teu Lavaisiga, Paulini Diani, Geuremu Tamani, Bibi Lesidra.