Fiji Bulikula winger Vitalina Naikore delivered an impressive performance, scoring three tries to lead her team to an 18-6 victory against the Cook Islands in the Pacific Bowl Championship, held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday. Naikore, a celebrated former Fijian Drua Women player, was supported by her family, who traveled 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 responded swiftly, with captain Talei Holmes scoring in the 17th minute following sustained pressure. Naikore then added a try in the corner five minutes later, putting the hosts ahead 10-6 at halftime.
Early in the second half, Naikore scored her second try after a precise kick from halfback Losana Lutu set her up for a breakaway run. The standout player of the match completed her hat-trick in the 60th minute when the Cook Islands found themselves outnumbered on the right flank after a fourth tackle.
With this victory, the Bulikula are set to travel to New Zealand to face Samoa in the final, with a spot in the World Cup on the line. The crucial match is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
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