Tailevu keeps hope alive
TAILEVU roasted Yasawa 38-5 in round 12 of 2020 Skipper Cup competition at a soggy Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
The visitors had too much firepower in their armoury to inflict the Yasawa Marlins a huge defeat and condemned them to the second tier of local provincial rugby next year.
About 500 mostly patriotic Tailevu fans watched the do-or-die match for both teams and the green machine stood tallest after 80 minutes of footy.
A jubilant Tailevu coach, Samisoni Bakeitoga heaped praises on his young squad.
“The boys stuck to the game plan and made correct decisions on the field of play,” he said.
“They played their hearts out today and I am so happy because we needed this win.
“They did the basics correctly and kept it simple and the scoreline has definitely boosted the morale of the team heading into the business end of this year’s competition.
“The aim of Tailevu is to remain in the Skipper Cup competition and we will analyse our weaknesses from this match and prepare accordingly next week against our arch-rivals, Naitasiri.
“We will work harder if we get relegated but these boys are all homegrown who have come through our development system.”
Yasawa’s assistant manager Josua Vatanitawake thanked his brigade for their efforts despite coming second best in 10 games throughout their campaign.
“We accept the loss and it has been a great learning experience,” he said.
“It’s the first time we have competed with all the big teams and we will be back in 2022.”
The bonus-point victory enabled Tailevu to leapfrog Lautoka Maroons and sit on sixth position with 22 points while the islanders, definite wooden spoon holders, have six points.
Meanwhile, the women’s and U19 teams of both sides settled for two points each after their respective matches were cancelled because of bad weather experienced earlier in the day.
Tailevu: 1. Esala Ralimalima 2. Isireli Narawa 3. Nemani Camainakelo 4. Raduva Saumaki 5. Laisenia Manuqila
6. Vetaia Tikimailepanoni 7. Timoci Vunimoku (C) 8. Mosese Naiova 9. Peniasi Ravudolo 10. Seru Vaniqi 11. Josevani Drava 12. Paula Nayacakalou
13. Etueni Seru 14. Viliame Kanatabua
15. Kaminieli Rasaku.
Reserves: 16. Solomoni Drotini 17. Noa Bula 18. Poate Rainima 19. Kalione Cagonibure 20. Jale Saukelea
21. Autiki Domonakibau 22. Lemeki Junior 23. Peniasi Navukula
Yasawa: 1. Samisoni Boireguregu 2. Esava Balenatabua 3. Onisimo Sina
4. Uraia Vota 5. Inoke Momo 6. Ovini Nawalu Tuidraki 7. Mosese Dibi 8. Manasa Vatanitawake (C) 9. Tevita Volavola 10. Rara Naitau 11. Ameniasi Yaroi 12. Simione Nabutulovo 13. Setariki Navorua 14. Josua Ralulu 15. Josua Kania
Reserves:
16. Pita Vukimatana 17. Bill Richards
18. Savenaca Biu 19. Rusiate Waqa 20. Saimoni Naivalu 21. Apisai Bakani 22. Vakacegu Tubakibau 23. Joseva Mudumudu