"ROME was not built in a day." That was the verdict of interim Lautoka coach Jeremaia Ladawa after the Blues were walloped 6-0 by Ba in the Fiji Sun/GP Batteries National Football League at Churchill Park yesterday.
The youthful Lautoka team was totally outsmarted by an experienced Ba line-up which dominated the second spell.
Ladawa said the loss would not derail them from moulding a winning Lautoka team.
"We are proud to build the team in only four days," Ladawa said.
"The result does not matter. This is a fresh start for Lautoka soccer. The youngsters performed well and they have a bright future.
"We don't mind about the loss today. The boys tried their best. The former players have come in to lend their support and we are calling on the fans to support us as well.
"Rome was not built in a day but we are working towards building a formidable combination."
Ba took advantage of the wet conditions in the second half pressuring Lautoka in defence.
At times Lautoka's goalmouth was like a swimming pool with the players failing to control the ball after a heavy downpour which lasted for more than 50 minutes.
The big win by Ba against Lautoka was a morale booster after a lacklustre performance against Nadroga in the opening round on Saturday.
The return of Abbu Zahid and Avinesh Warran Suwamy certainly made the difference.
Ba coach Yogendra Dutt said they played better against Lautoka.
"What ever we achieved in the game is pleasing," Dutt said.
"It was certainly a step up from the opening game against Nadroga. We played two games in as many days and won them both.
"It should be a happy moment for every Ba fan. I'm proud of the effort the boys put in."
Zahid set up the first goal for Suwamy in the seventh minute. Suwamy doubled the advantage four minutes later from the penalty spot after Malakai Tiwa was brought down.
Ba led 2-0 at half-time.
Tiwa made it 3-0 in the opening minute of the second spell. Mavileko Nakama netted in the 71st minute. Tiwa scored his double in the 81st minute while Nakama sealed the win with the sixth goal in the 88th minute.
Lautoka: Jone Sorolo, Joape Mudre, Shiva Gounder, Javed Hussein, Simon Prasad, Gerard Yoi, Zibraaz Saheb, Charles Williams, Arvindra Naidu, Mohammed Rahiman, Tevita Rabakewa.
Ba: Jone Ralulu, Josefata Neibuli, Avinesh Warran Suwamy, Rinal Prasad, Marika Madigi, Jone Vesikula, Malakai Tiwa, Roneel Kumar, Laisenia Raura, Tuimasi Manuca, Abbu Zahid.