Tawalo’s Big Day
It all happened in one day for Fijian Warriors full-back Inia Tawalo. Earlier yesterday, he and his bride Jokaveti Kamoro cut their wedding cake after their wedding service at Batiri village in Nadroga. Tawalo had to forfeit his wedding celebrations, left his new bride behind, a school teacher to be back in Suva by 3pm for the Warriors clash.
He then scored the first try as they fought back to beat Samoa A 33-21 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva last night.
What happened: The Samoans took an early lead when first-five eight D’Angelo Leiuila kicked over a penalty. The young Warriors fought back and Tawalo ran in the first try with Serupepeli Vularika’s conversion making it 7-3.
The Warriors dominated possession and scored their second try through Waisale Urabuta before Apisalome Vota ran in the third try. Vularika converted both tries for a 21-3 lead.
Silly mistakes from the Fijians allowed Samoa A’s Leiuila convert two penalties.
Halftime: Fijian Warriors 21-9 Samoa A.
The Samoans came strongly in the second half and scored their first try to prop Howard Sililoto with Leiuila narrowing the deficit to 21-16.
The match became scrappy as the Warriors struggled in the breakdown areas. A loose ball saw Samoan halfback Melani Matavao score their second try which brought the scores to 21-21.
Tawalo copped a yellow card for dangerous tackle.
Despite playing with 14-men the Warriors held on to score two more tries.
Comments: Fijian Warriors head coach Senirusi Seruvakula said: “We talked about having a good start but there is a lot of work to be done before we face Japan next Tuesday.”
Samoa A head coach Brian Lima said: “Our boys played well and they have put in a lot of effort. For a team who only played together for two weeks, I’m proud of them.”
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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