The Vodafone Fiji Bati maintained their pursuit of a place in the Pacific Cup with an impressive 56-6 victory over the Cook Islands’ Aitu at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
The Cook Islands started strong, with Delahia Wigmore making a significant tackle on Maika Sivo just moments into the match, resulting in a loose ball situation. Despite early struggles in completing sets, hooker Rua Ngatikaura turned the tide by scoring the first try just two meters from the line after maneuvering through the defense.
Following that initial score, Fiji dominated the play. NRL player Sunia Turuva powered through two defenders to score, with Taane Milne converting to widen the lead. Fiji found their groove with robust carries and precise passing, exemplified by Michael Jennings who added to the tally, leaving Wigmore behind.
Viliame Kikau, who had a quieter performance against Papua New Guinea, made an impact in the 27th minute by assisting Jennings on his second try with a skillful pass through a gap in the defense. Just before the halftime whistle, Kitione Kautoga also crossed the line after a well-executed set that started deep in Bati’s territory, bringing the halftime score to a comfortable 24-6 in favor of Fiji.
After the break, the Cook Islands initially held Fiji scoreless for ten minutes, but Cowboys winger Semi Valemei soon made his mark by scoring after catching a high kick from Kurt Donoghoe. Fiji kept the momentum going with Jennings completing his hat trick, and Sivo and Valemei adding to the score in the final moments.
Sivo showcased his speed and strength by scoring twice in quick succession, while Valemei secured a double of his own. Fiji Bati’s head coach praised the team’s defense for restricting the Cook Islands to just one try, emphasizing the importance of minimizing errors and maintaining discipline, which the players executed effectively.
The Fiji Bati now relies on the Cook Islands Aitu to defeat the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in the coming week to ensure their passage to the final of the 2024 Pacific Championship.
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