NAITASIRI displayed their strength and determination once again in the Skipper Cup, triumphing over Ba with a score of 32-18 in the quarter-finals held at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. This victory secures their place in the semi-finals of the competition, demonstrating their continued prowess in Fijian rugby.
The match started with Ba taking an early lead through two penalty kicks by fly-half William Ryland, putting them up by six points. However, Naitasiri responded promptly, with FIJI Water Flying Fijians representative Kavaia Tagivetaua scoring a try in the 13th minute, though a missed conversion kept them trailing. After facing a yellow card for Jone Naqiri in the 19th minute, Naitasiri’s momentum surged as they scored another try shortly after through Sakaraia Soqonakalou, again failing to convert.
Full-back Senijiale Qiokata made a significant contribution by adding a converted try, resulting in a halftime score of 17-6 in favor of Naitasiri. The second half commenced with Soqonakalou scoring another unconverted try, further extending Naitasiri’s lead. Etonia Rokotuisawa added a penalty to secure their dominance in scoring before Ba attempted to mount a comeback with an unconverted try from Meli Tuvusa. However, Naitasiri closed out the game with an additional unconverted try by Soqonakalou, sealing their victory and affirming their advancing progression in the tournament.
This win reflects Naitasiri’s growth and competitive spirit, echoing earlier matches where they showcased resilience, such as their recent victory over Nadroga for the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy. Their successful outings emphasize the exciting nature of the Skipper Cup season and the high stakes that come with each competition, as teams strive for excellence and aim to solidify their positions for the upcoming matches.
With their focus now on the semi-finals, Naitasiri looks to build on this victory and continue their fight for glory, inspiring fans and showcasing the remarkable talent present in Fijian rugby. The community’s support reflects a broader enthusiasm for the game, cementing a promising future for all involved in this vibrant sport.
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