Ba scores first Skipper Cup win
VINOD Patel Ba established their first win in the Skipper Cup competition after a 38-29 victory over Yasawa in Ba yesterday.
The bonus point victory filled Ba captain Saimone Tagitagivalu with pride for his team.
“Firstly we thank the Almighty God for the win. We started well and did not have a good finish because of our fitness,” Tagitagivalu said.
Yasawa coach Taione Ratu believes it was a good game but having 14 men on the field for the rest for 40 minutes of the game cost them.
“We had 10 debutants, it was a good game and our only setback was playing with 14 men in the second half,” Ratu said.
The first 40 minutes saw an impressive start from both teams under the scorching sun, delivering entertaining rugby.
Hosts Ba initiated a strong start, applying pressure to secure a penalty try within the first 7 minutes.
They continued building momentum, scoring their second try in the 17th minute through Rovuami Rokodina, converted by Sailasa Naicegu.
Yasawa regrouped, earning their first penalty through flyhalf Joseva Vunisa in the 19th minute and notching their first try in the 25th minute through Isaia Vutala, converted by Vunisa.
Yasawa faced adversity when prop Ovini Saro received his second yellow card in the 31st minute. Despite this, Yasawa pressured Ba’s defence and scored their second try through wing Sanivalati Ratu and led 15-14 at halftime.
With the home crowd advantage, Ba intensified their efforts at the start of the second half, earning a penalty in the 43rd minute through fullback Sailasa Naicegu. Yasawa had opportunities to extend their lead but failed with three penalty attempts.
Ba capitalised on their chances, scoring their third try in the 62nd minute to Sakiusa Narara, converted by Naicegu.
Yasawa quickly regrouped, responding with their third try to Vunisa, converted by scrumhalf Ratu Sailosi.
Ba rebounded with two quick tries from Narara and Meli Nalulu, both successfully converted by Isimeli Tikomaimereke.
Yasawa had the final say, scoring their last try through Setareki Navurua, converted by Sevanaia Tubunaruarua.