Oceania Cup test: Vodafone Fiji Bati thrashes Toa Samoa

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Toa Samoa captain Joey Leilua, (left), and Fiji Bati captain Kevin Naiqama. Picture: RNZ/PHOTOSPORT

THE Vodafone Fiji Bati added three tries in the second half to secure a 44-18 victory over Toa Samoa in their International Rugby League Federation Oceania Cup Test at Eden Park in Auckland today.

Fiji Bati captain Kevin Naiqama said they were happy for the win but it was not over yet.

“The boys executed what was needed, but we have another job next week,” Naiqama said.

Samoa scored first coming out of the break with Jorge Taufua scoring on the 50-minute mark to close the gap, with Lafai unable to convert.

The Bati retaliated almost immediately with another try two minutes later from left-wing Isaac Lumelume and Wakeham unable to convert also missing his first conversion of the game.

Penioni Tagituimua came off the bench to set up the Bati’s seventh try with a break down on the edge setting up Brayden Wiliame to dive over on 62 minutes.

A solo effort by captain courageous Naiqama beat four tacklers to score the Batis eighth try two minutes later with Siti Moceidreke adding the two-point conversion from the touchline.

Samoa added two late consolation tries through Taufua and fullback Ronaldo Mutilato getting on the 77  and 80-minute mark, with Lafai unable to covert.

The Bati will take on the Papua New Guinea Kumuls next weekend in their next Oceania Cup Test match.

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