Lautoka 19  – 18 Tailevu

What happened?

Lautoka made a fightback to beat Tailevu 19-18 in the second round of the 2016 Skipper Cup competition at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.

Tailevu got off to a good start applying pressure and starving the Maroons of possession.

In the 19th minute, Asivorosi Tora broke the deadlock scoring the first try for Tailevu, 5-0. Lautoka found it hard to settle down making basic mistakes which Tailevu took advantage of earning themselves a penalty which was converted by Maika Baleinaloto, 8-0.  A minute later Baleinaloto scored for the home side, 13-0.

Thirty minutes into the game, Tailevu began making poor decisions which swung the momentum allowing Lautoka’s Kavekini Tanivanuakula to score their first try which was converted by Asaeli Qalova.

Halftime: Tailevu 13-7 Lautoka

Tailevu continued to commit errors in the second spell.

In the 55th minute, Lautoka’s constant pressure on Tailevu within metres of their tryline allowed Meli Ravai to score from a pick and drive, 12-13.

Tailevu replied three minutes later as Josavani Delana broke through a gap to score the try, missed conversion from Baleinaloto gave Tailevu a 18-17 lead. Lautoka did not give up hope as they fought their way through the Tailevu defence as Timoci Vuadreu scored the third try for the visitors, a perfect conversion from Qalova gave Lautoka the 19-18 win.

Big play

Tailevu played a good game making some good plays but lacked concentration and focus towards the end.

Star turn

Timoci Vuadreu’s try and Asaeli Qalova’s  were pivotal in the win.

Comments

Tailevu coach Samisoni Baikeitogo, “We lost to a better team, there were a lot of silly mistakes made and we really need to go back to the drawing board. This is the development team and we are hoping that they learn from this game and improve. Our discipline and concentration needs to be improved before we face Suva in our next game.”

Lautoka coach Ifereimi Rawaqa, “We started off really well in the second-half but again there were a lot of basic mistakes that were made. We had a lot of opportunities but we could not capitalise on it. I must thank Tailevu for the good game they played; I am happy with the win.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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