Nadera Panthers continued their strong performance in the Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup, securing their second consecutive victory with a 28-14 win over the Makoi Bulldogs at Bidesi Park, Suva. Coached by Vula Dakuitoga, a renowned figure in Fiji rugby league, the Panthers showcased their resilience in a match that tested their defensive abilities.
The game began with the Panthers dominating, holding a scoreless lead against Makoi at halftime. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Bulldogs rallied in the final minutes, scoring three tries that put pressure on Nadera’s defense and heightened the match’s intensity. Captain Penaia Nadakuni emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining a strong defensive line throughout the game, reflecting on their coach’s mantra of remaining fit and determined on the field. “We have a lot of weaknesses to work on,” Nadakuni added, recognizing that while they triumphed, there are lessons to learn for future matches.
This win follows the Panthers’ previous success against the defending champions, the Vusu Raiders, which they edged out 15-10 in their opening match of the season. Their growing confidence bodes well for the team as they look to build on this momentum heading into the next rounds of the competition.
Other match results from the round include USP defeating Vusu Raiders 26-20, Navy overwhelming City Storm 38-0, and several closely contested matches, indicating a competitive start to the season across the league.
As the Nadera Panthers prepare for upcoming challenges, their focus on improvement and adapting to the competitive league landscape offers a hopeful outlook for the rest of the season. Fans are encouraged to continue supporting the Panthers as they aim for further success in the Vodafone Cup.
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