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 with the Fijian Drua Women, received strong support from her family, who journeyed 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 captain Talei Holmes answered back in the 17th minute, bringing Fiji onto the scoreboard after sustained pressure. Naikore then added to the tally, scoring in the corner five minutes later, which allowed Fiji to lead 10-6 at halftime.
In the early moments of the second half, Naikore scored her second try, capitalizing on a precise kick from halfback Losana Lutu that landed perfectly for her to sprint away and score. Recognized as the Player of the Match, Naikore completed her hat-trick in the 60th minute, taking advantage of a numerical advantage on the right side following the fourth tackle.
With this victory, the Bulikula will head to New Zealand to compete against Samoa in the final for a chance to qualify for the World Cup. The match is scheduled to take place at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday, November 2.
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