Semo to guide Malolo in quarters
FIJIANA Drua rep Torika Semo will guide Malolo during the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup quarterfinal against Vatukoula at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka today.
Semo has been an integral part of the Malolo side since the inception of women’s rugby in the Skipper Cup in 2018.
Ironically, Malolo took out the inaugural title defeating Suva 31-24 in the final at the ANZ Stadium. Many of the players from that Malolo side were selected in the Fijiana XV squad thereafter and have since moved on to greener pastures, joining bigger teams in the country. Semo will feature at number eight against Vatukoula. Malolo finished second in the Western Pool of the Ranadi Cup this year behind Navosa. However, the island team is adamant of going all the way to secure a spot in the ANZ Marama Championship next year.
Malolo Rugby Union president Jone Tuilawa said the side had moved to Nadi for its preparations. Tuilawa said the players from the island had joined the Nadi-based players for their final training phase.
“We are thankful to Torika for guiding the players,” he said.
“She has boosted the morale of the players coming from the Fijiana Drua setup. We were placed second in our pool.
“The girls tried their best to beat Navosa but they proved very tough. Vatukoula topped their pool but we hope to give them a good run for their money. We have had help from some other Fijiana Drua squad members as well.”
Tuilawa said the aim was to get back into the top flight. He said this was the first year for many of the girls to play rugby.
“They have switched from netball and adapted really well to rugby,” Tuilawa said.
“We are confident that this team will feature in the Marama Championship next year.
“Unfortunately we found it very hard to secure sponsorship because of COVID-19. Now the hotels on Malolo Island are slowly opening so hopefully we will get big support next year.”
The Ranadi Cup quarter-finals will kick off at 10am with Navosa taking on Nanukuloa. Vatukoula and Malolo will clash at 12pm, Rewa will face Northland at 2pm while Nasinu will tackle Macuata at 4pm.
Tickets: $5 (adults), $3 (children under-12).