Maroons secures comeback victory over Tailevu
“In the first half, our mistake was that we continued to play in our own zone, and we had to play in the green zone and get points,” Senileba said.
Sunday 05 October 2025 | 23:00
Action from the Skipper Cup match between Tailevu and Lautoka at Churchill Park, Lautoka on October 4, 2025.
Photo: Waisea Nasokia
The Viliame Senileba-captained Lautoka Maroons came from behind to beat Tailevu in round eight of the Skipper Cup clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka last Saturday.
Lautoka captain Viliame Senileba thanked the Tailevu side for a good game.
“It was a tough match but our boys stood the test.
“In the first half, our mistake was that we continued to play in our own zone, and we had to play in the green zone and get points,” Senileba said.
The visitors took the lead with its prop Pio Sovalevu try and fullback Emori Tadulala’s successful conversion to lead 7-0.
The host hit back with a try in the corner to centre Eliki Naikusa, who came off the bench 10 minutes into the match, to close the gap 7-5 at the breather.
A few minutes later, Lautoka winger Ben Bale scored the host’s second try with first five eight Netava Nayacalevu successful with his conversion as the side leads for the first time 12-5.
Tailevu winger Tevita Uluiviti replied and scored in the corner to level 12-12.
Lautoka was granted a penalty through the boots of Naikusa to lead once again 15-12.
Lock Angelo Smith played his heart out in heavy traffic to increase his team’s points 20-12.
In the 63rd minute, Tailevu flanker Rupeni Kabu was sin-binned for diving over a player.
With the momentum, the Maroon piled up pressure, allowing winger Apimeleki Nasalo to dash to score 25-12.
Towards the end of the match, Tailevu’s tight head prop Vilimoni Takayawa came off the bench to score, but it was too late to change the scoresheet.
