Maroons Scoop Origin
“The boys played their hearts out. This match is dedicated to our families who supported us throughout.”
Sunday 06 December 2020 | 15:00
Western Maroons players with officials and supporters at Churchill Park, Lautoka on December 5, 2020. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Western Maroons won the 2020 Pherrus Fiji National Rugby League Vanua State of Origin Series.
The Josateki Sovau– captained side defeated Eastern Blues 20-8 at Churchill Park, Lautoka yesterday.
Maroons won two of the three-game series.
In the women category, the Maroons also proved too strong for the Blues winning 28 - 6 victory.
What happened: In the 13th minute Blues halfback Ilikena Niumataiwalu kicked a penalty to lead 2-0.
Two minutes later Maroons’ Simon Wise hit back with a try in the corner to lead 4-2.
In the 27th minute the Blues were penalised and Kelemedi Waqa extended the Maroons lead 6-2.
Maroons had the services of Apolosi Tuiloma, Wise, Sovau, Tikiko Noke, Savenaca Saukuru, Salimoni Ralulu, Netava Rokoliwa and former Fijian Warriors flanker Meli Nabura.
Niumataiwalu slotted another penalty
Halftime: Maroons 6-4 Blues.
Blues had Pio Seci, Penioni Tagituimua, Apakuki Tavodi, Sevanaia Koroi and Ilisavani Jegesa.
In the second spell the Maroons were on fire as in the 41st minute fullback Apolosi Tuiloma scored a try to extend their lead 10-4.
Kelemedi Waqa and Rokoliwa slotted two penalties each to extend their lead 14-4.
In the 31st minute Josateki Masibalavu try under the post was converted by Sovau.
In the dying minutes Seci muscled his way to score their first try in the corner, 20-8.
Players lost their cool towards the end resulting in Wise and Jegesa sin-binned for infringement by referee Etika Tukuna.
Comment: Sovau said: “It was a remarkable journey by the team as Blues won the first match. We made up our mind to claim the second and third match.
“The boys played their hearts out. This match is dedicated to our families who supported us throughout.”
Edited by Osea Bola
