Blues win Vanua State of Origin One

The Josua Soronakadavu captained- Western Maroons side need to do some brainstorming following their close 19-14 loss to the Eastern Blues on Saturday night at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.

Western Maroons head coach Vela Tawake said they missed some of their key players for the fixture because of club commitments.

“The depth on the opposition camp showed at the end of the match. But I’m proud of the efforts of the boys,” Tawake said.

“We need to regroup and be on our feet. We will not repeat this result.”

East head coach Viliame Domo said it was one of the best games in the Vanua State of Origin.

“It showed the calibre of players in the local competition. They are putting their hands up for a call at national level,” Domo said.

“We know that this is the pinnacle of the local competition. This is the pathway for players of the Fiji Residents team to the Fiji Bati especially for the Rugby League World Cup.  "

“Both teams need to work on their attacks.”

Maroons took the lead via penalty to first five eight Josua Soronakadavu 2-0.

Two minutes later Blues hit back with a try to Marika Koro to lead for the first

time 4-2.

The Blues found a gap in the Maroons defence and Marika Waqatabu scoring their second try with a successful conversion from the boots of Joeli Baleilevuka to take a handy lead.

Halftime: Blues 10–2 Maroons.

The Blues came back firing and extended their lead with a try to winger Jone Ratulevu 14-2. One minute later the Maroons regrouped and allowed Apakuki Tora to score under the post with a successful conversion from Soronakadavu, 14-8.

Prop Inia Tobua scored for the Maroons with conversion from Soronakadavu to

level, 14-all.

Few minutes later Blue’s Ratulevu dashed to score in the corner, 18-14.

In the final minute of the match Baleilevuka kicked a drop goal to seal the match, sending their fans into frenzy.

The game two of the Vanua State of Origin will be held in Suva.

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