NRLW Cowboys winger Vitalina Naikore delivered an outstanding performance, scoring three tries to lead the Fiji Bulikula to an 18-6 victory over the Cook Islands in the Pacific Bowl Championship held at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
Naikore, a former standout for the Fijian Drua Women, had strong family support in attendance, with relatives traveling from Bua in Vanua Levu to cheer for her and the team.
The Cook Islands struck first, with prop Kerehitina Matua scoring in the ninth minute. However, Fiji responded quickly. Captain Talei Holmes got Fiji on the scoreboard in the 17th minute following sustained pressure, and Naikore added another try in the corner five minutes later, putting Fiji ahead 10-6 at halftime.
Early in the second half, Naikore scored her second try after a perfectly placed kick from halfback Losana Lutu found her, allowing her to showcase her speed and touch down.
Naikore, named Player of the Match, secured her hat-trick in the 60th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Cook Islands after the fourth tackle.
With this victory, the Bulikula will head to New Zealand for the final against Samoa, which will determine a spot in the World Cup. The match is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
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