The Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua Women faced a challenging battle against the Queensland Reds, narrowly losing 22-19 in a thrilling match during the Super W competition held at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday. The result marks the Drua’s first home loss of the season, despite a spirited comeback attempt.
In the first half, the Reds capitalized on the Drua’s handling mistakes, swiftly building a commanding 17-0 lead. The opening try was scored by captain Gemma Bedrose, followed by a quick second try from Carola Kreis, with a penalty from Lori Gramer solidifying their advantage before halftime.
The tide began to shift in the second half when the Drua showed resilience. Loraini Senivutu broke through for their first try in the 67th minute, followed shortly by another from Karalaini Naisewa, bringing the score to 12-22. With renewed energy, the Drua capitalized on a penalty try in the late stages after the Reds were reduced to 14 players for a deliberate knock-on. This brought the score even closer, but despite their late efforts, time ran out, and the Reds held on to claim victory.
The Drua’s performance underlined the recent growth of women’s rugby in the Pacific, showcasing their potential and unwavering spirit. Coach Asinate Serevi highlighted the areas for improvement, particularly on defense, while expressing optimism for future matches. The team’s determination and the support from fans emphasize the promising future of women’s rugby in the region.
The Fijiana Drua Women are set to bounce back next Saturday against the ACT Brumbies Women, with a kickoff scheduled for 3:35 PM (FJT). As they continue to refine their strategies and build on their performances, there remains a hopeful outlook for their trajectory in the tournament. Fans are encouraged as they witness the evolution of the team, reinforcing the belief that with resilience and skill, greater achievements lie ahead.
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