Hardwork made us win, says captain

Despite being demoted to next year’s Vodafone Vanua Championship, the Lautoka rugby side did the impossible by winning the Skipper Cup 2020 women’s competition.

The demotion of the Lautoka senior men’s side mean their women team have to follow as well.

Lautoka beat favourites Naitasiri in the women’s final at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, yesterday.

An emotional Lautoka captain, Sesenieli Donu said they had to struggle and the win was sweet. “This is the first time for a Lautoka women’s team to win such a competition. In the beginning of the competition we thought we were out after we lost a couple of games in the opening rounds.

“Then we regrouped and worked hard throughout the season to get to the top. Eventhough we are demoted, our winning the Skipper Cup is sweet because we wanted to stamp a mark before we move back to the Vanua.”

Donu said they are going to treasure the Skipper Cup.

“No one knows how hard we worked for this win and the struggles we had endure to finish the competition in style.”

What happened: Both teams started cautiously as they did not make mistakes.

Halftime: Naitasiri 0-0 Lautoka Lautoka started strongly but the Naitasiri defence held on. In the 52nd minute Naitasiri prop Joka Seru was yellow carded for collapsing the scrum.

Lautoka ran in two quick unconverted tries to Donu and Taraivini Daba for a 10-0 lead.

Rusila Nagasau scored for Naitasiri in the last minute to narrow the deficit 10-5.

Lautoka- 1. Karalaini Naisewa, 2. Keleni Marawa, 3. Maraia Marama,

4. Avisaki Satala, 5. Loata Naibulagi,

6. Vasiti Adimaira, 7. Maraiana Talatoka, 8. Merewai Cumu, 9. Asena Rokomarama, 10. Lavenia Cavuru,

11. Salote Vakaturi, 12. Sesenieli Donu, 13. Vasiti Solikiviti, 14. Vani Buleki, 15. Litiana Vueti

Naitasiri- 1. Elina Ratauluva, 2. Mereani Wakolo, 3. Unaisi Vuidama,

4. Vasiti Raikavu, 5. Merevesi Tuga,

6. Lavenia Tinai, 7. Milika Tokaicake, 8. Sereima Leweniqila, 9. Ana Maria Roqica, 10. Viniana Riwai, 11. Matelita Tuilevuka, 12. Melaia Matanatabu, 13. Roela Radiniyavuni, 14. Litiana Lawedrau, 15. Rusila Tamoi