The Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women faced a challenging match against the Queensland Reds, narrowly losing 22-19 in Round 2 of the Super W competition held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Despite showing resilience, the Drua’s handling errors proved costly, leading to missed opportunities throughout the game.
The Reds capitalized on early mistakes by the Drua, scoring the first try after intercepting a flat pass from Vika Matarugu; co-captain Jemma Bemrose was quick to race to the corner. Subsequent penalties further hampered the Drua, leading to number eight Karalaini Naisewa being sent to the bin. The Reds took advantage of the situation, building a solid 17-0 lead by halftime, with an additional try from openside flanker Carola Kreis.
In the second half, the Drua fought back energetically, scoring their first try nearly 68 minutes into the match with reserve hooker Loraini Senivutu powering over the line. This was followed by another try from Naisewa, narrowing the gap to just a few points. The Drua showcased their determination with a late penalty try, but time was not on their side as the Reds managed to maintain their lead for their first win of the season.
The match highlighted the ongoing development of women’s rugby in the Pacific region. The Drua’s spirited performance, particularly in the second half, showcased their potential and determination to improve as the season progresses. The presence of siblings, such as Karalaini Naisewa and Keleni Marawa, adds a unique personal touch to the team’s dynamics, emphasizing unity and support.
Fans continue to rally behind the Drua, with hopes that the team can build on this performance and further elevate the sport’s profile in the region. The energy and excitement surrounding women’s rugby promise a bright future, inspiring young athletes to follow in their footsteps as the Drua aim to refine their skills and strategy in upcoming matches.
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