Fiji Bulikula secured a convincing 18-6 victory over the Cook Islands in the Pacific Bowl Championship, thanks to a stunning performance from NRLW Cowboys winger Vitalina Naikore, who scored three tries. The match was held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday.
Naikore, who previously starred for the Fijian Drua Women, had strong family support, with her relatives traveling from Bua in Vanua Levu to cheer her on.
The Cook Islands took an early lead in the ninth minute with a try from prop Kerehitina Matua. However, Fiji’s captain Talei Holmes responded in the 17th minute after sustained pressure, leveling the score. Naikore then put Fiji ahead with a try in the corner just five minutes later, sending the team into halftime with a 10-6 advantage.
In the second half, Naikore scored her second try after a well-placed kick from halfback Losana Lutu found her, allowing her to sprint away and secure another touchdown. She completed her hat-trick in the 60th minute, exploiting a defensive gap on the right flank after the fourth tackle.
Following this victory, the Bulikula is set to travel to New Zealand to face Samoa in the final, with the winner earning a spot in the World Cup. The match is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
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