Bulikula Residents cruise to 34-12 win over Canada Ravens at Churchill Park
The Fiji Bulikula Residents produced a commanding display to defeat the Canada Ravens 34-12 in their second clash at Churchill Park yesterday. They set the tone early, crossing for five first-half tries as Asenaca Diranuve struck twice, with dots from Asena Rokomarama, Vilimaina Natuku, and Salote Vuniwaqa. Jennifer Ravutia added two conversions, and Rokomarama also kicked one.
Canada replied through Renee Gonzalez and Maddie Hobson, but the Bulikula headed into the break with a comfortable 26-8 lead. The Ravens tightened their defense after the interval and showed improvement in attack, but Fiji’s pace and consistency proved too much.
Diranuve completed a hat-trick, Ateca Nacaucau added another for good measure, and Candace Scholten grabbed a late consolation for Canada as Fiji cruised to a 34-12 victory.
Bulikula coach Bill Tukana praised his players while acknowledging room for improvement. “We thank God for the win. A win is a win, and we are grateful. I’m proud of the girls and their effort, but we tended to be a little casual at times. I thought we could have put more points on the board. Moving forward, we need to lift our fitness, work on the basics, and improve our communication,” Tukana said.
Canada head coach Matt Barron, while disappointed by the result, highlighted progress in his team’s performance. “Bulikula was tremendous, but I’m proud of our performance. It was a big change from when we played on Wednesday,” Barron said.
What this means for Fiji rugby
– The win adds to Fiji’s growing momentum in women’s rugby, reinforcing the depth of talent within the Bulikula program and the broader development pathway for the sport in Fiji.
– It signals positive momentum as Fiji continues to push toward major international campaigns, with development teams and local squads playing a key role in building experience and cohesion ahead of higher-profile matches.
– The result sits alongside ongoing efforts to grow women’s rugby in Fiji, including development programs and upcoming fixtures designed to showcase local talent and strengthen the national team pipeline.
Editor’s notes and context
– This performance underscores Fiji’s commitment to nurturing home-grown players through a structured path that feeds into national teams and world-stage opportunities.
– For supporters, it’s a reminder of the improving standard of Fiji’s women’s rugby and the opportunities this creates for young players to rise through the ranks.
Summary
Fiji Bulikula Residents reinforced their standing with a convincing 34-12 win over Canada Ravens, demonstrating a potent combination of pace, skill, and clinical finishing while signaling continued growth in Fiji’s women’s rugby development program.
Positive take
– The result offers optimism about Fiji’s developing depth in women’s rugby and bodes well for continued growth across the sport in the Pacific region.
Tags for editors (optional)
– Fiji rugby development, Bulikula Residents, Canada Ravens, women’s rugby, Churchill Park, Pacific rugby growth
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