The Vodafone Fiji Bati faced a significant loss, suffering a 10-22 defeat against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in their first match of the NRL Pacific Championship on Saturday night at HFC Bank Stadium.
The Kumuls showcased a strong performance throughout the game, effectively shutting down the Bati and forcing them into a defensive position. By halftime, the Kumuls had established a solid lead of 14-0, with tries scored by Robert Derby, Judah Rimbu, and Sylvester Namo, exploiting weaknesses in the Bati’s defense.
In the second half, Nene McDonald scored another try for the Kumuls, further securing their victory. Although the Bati managed to score two tries, one from Taane Milne and another in the dying moments of the match by Maika Sivo, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
After the match, coach Wise Kativerata expressed his disappointment, recognizing the need for improvement in key areas. “We didn’t complete on a high even though we finished the set; the game didn’t reach the point where we wanted it to,” Kativerata commented.
Team captain Tui Kamikamica acknowledged the mistakes made by the team that hindered their performance but encouraged his teammates to “hang in there” during halftime.
The Bati will now redirect their focus towards their upcoming match against the Cook Islands Aitu, scheduled for this Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium.