Fiji Bulikula winger Vitalina Naikore delivered an outstanding performance, scoring three tries to lead her team to an 18-6 victory over the Cook Islands in the Pacific Bowl Championship at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
Naikore, a former standout player for Fijian Drua Women, received strong support from her family, who journeyed from Bua in Vanua Levu to cheer her and the team on.
The Cook Islands opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a try from prop Kerehitina Matua. Fiji’s captain Talei Holmes equalized in the 17th minute following sustained pressure, and shortly after, Naikore crossed the line in the corner, giving Fiji a 10-6 lead at halftime.
Naikore scored her second try early in the second half, capitalizing on a precise kick from halfback Losana Lutu, demonstrating her speed with a swift run to the try line.
Recognized as the Player of the Match, Naikore completed her hat-trick in the 60th minute when the Cook Islands defense was caught outnumbered on the right side after the fourth tackle.
The Bulikula are now set to travel to New Zealand for a showdown against Samoa, with a place in the World Cup at stake. This decisive match is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
Leave a comment