Maroons Too Strong For Yasawa, As They Stay On Track

The Lautoka rugby side are on a mission to win back their spot in the 2023 Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship. On Friday night, the Maroons scored a handy 20-5 win over Yasawa in their Vodafone Vanua Cup Championship opener at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

Over the decades, Lautoka Rugby has produced top players like Watisoni Nasalo, Jo Visei, Sunia Seru, Alipate Rabitu, Navitalai Senilagakali, Viliame Ratudradra, Eneri Ratudradra, Kaiava Salusalu, Samu Yalayala, Kitione Ratudradra, Kalaveti Naisoro, Pita Dau, Semi Talawadua, Viliame Satala, Ifereimi Rawaqa and list goes on.

What happened: Lautoka’s play was structured against a strong Yasawa side. The Maroons were clinical in their play using every opportunity to play territorial and pressure the Yasawa into mistakes and capitalising on it.

In the 3^rd minute Lautoka captain Masi Serubasaga bulldozed his way over for the first try with the conversion missing.

Lautoka continued to dominate territory as they opted to pin Yasawa back to their 22-metre line forcing them into committing unforced errors. In the 14th minute Yasawa conceded a penalty and Lautoka second five eight centre Netava Nayacalevu kicked it over to extend their lead 8–0.

In the 22nd minute Yasawa conceded another penalty right in front of the post for continuously collapsing the scrum and Lautoka first five eight Peceli Talebula converted as they led 11–0.

Yasawa replied with a try in the 25th minute as they utilized their fast backline gave and centre Vakacegu Tabakibau burst through to score their first try as they trailed 11–5. Right before halftime Talebula extended the lead 14–5 with his second penalty.

Halftime: Lautoka 14-5 Yasawa

Lautoka continued with their clinical play in the second half as they kept play inside Yasawa’s 22-metre zone. Yasawa conceded two more penalties, which were converted by Lautoka for a 205 win.

In the second round Lautoka host Navosa while Yasawa take on Malolo.

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