Lautoka defeated Yasawa 26-10 in the Skipper Cup at Churchill Park yesterday with high hopes to maintain its status in the top flight.
Both Yasawea and Lautoka were promoted to the major union this year however the transition hasn’t been so rosy for both teams. Yasawa remains winless in the competition recording eight losses and a draw while this was Lautoka’s third victory.
Ironically Yasawa led 10-8 at halftime in the match. Saimoni Ratuisoa scored a try for Yasawa while second five eight Joseva Vetaukula kicked the conversion and a penalty.
Waisea Luveniyali successfully kicked a penalty for Lautoka and fullback Opeti Ratucati scored a try.
It was all Lautoka in the second spell with Jone Qauqau and Masi Serubasaga scoring a try each while Luveniyali added a conversion and penalty.
Lautoka team media liaison officer Sefanaia Scholte said their main focus was on the game against Yasawa.
He said the boys did not lose hope being down by two points at the break.
“We never took Yasawa lightly because we knew that they would take us down to the wire,” Scholte said.
“I congratulate my boys for the much needed effort to defeat Yasawa. We want to maintain our status in the top six in the competition.”
Yasawa Rugby Union secretary Kinijoji Rakata said they had an uphill battle to maintain their status in the top flight. He said they need to secure maximum points in the remaining four rounds and hope the other results fall in their way.
“It is a battle that we will fight to the end,” Rakata said.
“We have limited resources but it will not let our passion to strive to play with the big league down.”
Teams:
Lautoka: Isoa Vasukilulu, Iiesa Leca, Lemeki Racule, Epeli Radaviva, Timoci Ratuvou, Jimilai Korobalavu, Sairusi Rokomotutu, Agavito Sauvakarua, Samisoni Ravudi, Waisea Luveniyali, Vunianiu Bainitabua, Vatili Tora, Sunia Talebula, Jone Qauqau, Opeti Ratucati.
Yasawa: Sailosi Sekitga, Maikeli Sivo, Osea Sadrau, Pita Vukimatana, Saimoni Daravatabu, Sovelisi Nene, Seru Momo, Rusiate Waqa, Tevita Volavola, Nacanieli Batina, Saimoni Ratuisoa, Joseva Vetaukula, Eliki Naikusa, Tomasi Ralulu, Josua Nagatalevu.
