Blues Imports Shine

Lautoka imports Benjamin Totori of Solomon Islands and Brian Kaltak of Vanuatu weaved their magic as they beat Rewa 2-0 in the Vodafone Premier League clash at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.

What happened:  Lautoka turned on the heat right from the opening whistle.

The Blues proved too strong for the hapless Rewa side as they struggled in defence. A Totori cross in the 3rd minute saw Rewa defender Vuniuci Tikoimereke scoring an own goal.

Halftime: Rewa 0-1 Lautoka

In the 55th minute, Lautoka’s Zibraz Sahib doubled the lead following a powerful drive outside the box to seal the win.

The match became scrappy with Rewa’s Amani Makoe being shown the red card for dangerous play while Poasa Bainivalu was booked for unsportsmanlike behaviour on the field.

Totori and Kaltak added more firepower upfront and the Blues will be most dangerous once they iron out their combination with Samuela  Drudru, Osea Valatalesau, Kavaia Rawaqa and Dave Radrigai.

Rewa strikers Setareki Hughes and Siotame Kubu were shut out of the match by the strong Blues defence.

Star turn: Sahib’s pile driver in the 55th minute which sealed the 2-0 win. The Lautoka midfield general played a commanding game throughout the match.

Big play: Totori played a huge role for the Blues. He showed excellent footwork upfront to lead their attacks.

Comments: Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said: “The players’ played well and the win has set us a good platform for the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League campaign.

“Our two overseas players Totori and Kaltak also played well and the two players have a lot to offer.

“We want to maintain consistency to defend the title this year and we are looking at maintaining this team as well as our three overseas players of Totori, Kaltak and Cory Chettleburgh. They are going to be with us for the rest of the season.

“But now we are looking forward for the Champions League.”

Rewa coach Marika Rodu said: “It was not our day but we will bounce back.”

Line-up:

Rewa: Benito Waqavou, Vuniuci Tikomaimereke, Peniame Drova, Mitieli Namuka, Amani Makoe, Martin Nasova, Taione Kerevanua, Jonatani Buksh, Setareki Hughes, Siotame Kubu, Gabriel Matanisiga

Lautoka: Benaminio Mateinaqara, Poasa Bainivalu, Kolinio Sivoki, Brian Kaltak, Samuela Drudru, Zibraz Sahib, Dave Radrigai, Praneel Naidu, Osea Vakatalesau, Benjamin Totori, Kavaia Rawaqa

Match officials:

Referee: Navneet Varman,

Assistant Referees: Sonal Prasad, Aron Reddy

Ground Conditions: Fine

Crowd: approximately 200

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj