Suva dominated all aspects of play to brush off an improved Yasawa side in a high-scoring 13-try affair in their Round 9 match of the ANZ Marama Championship at Albert Park today.
The capital city side’s eight-try 46-27 win over Yasawa means they extend their undefeated run in the competition – to nine victories from nine games to maintain a clean slate atop the standings of Fiji’s premier provincial women’s XVs competition.
However, it was not an easy outing for Suva who had to dig deep for the win over a relentless Yasawa side that had the first say on either side of the break.
Yasawa scored first to put up the first points of the match, a double within the first six minutes of the game via their fullback and Bulikula rep Limaima Wai. Both tries were not converted, and that was to be their only say in the first half as Suva took control, slotting in six of their eight tries.
Suva’s nippy scrumhalf Evivi Senikarivi began the stampede for the home side, adding the first of her hatrick in the first half. Fullback Naomi Rokowati, strong running flanker Vitalini Mirini, and centre Lavenia Tinai also got their names on the scoreboard with a try each, to put Suva in the lead 32-10 at the breather.
With the injection of fresh legs in the second half, Yasawa sprang into action with a try via Ani Mei who started off the bench. Suva reciprocated via a hardworking Tinai who added her second. Yasawa responded with a try to Ilisapeci Qiqiwaqa for their fourth, before Seruwaia Vukoto who was exceptional for the home side with her strong running added on Suva’s eighth and final try. Yasawa’s mobile flanker Sereima Rauqe who worked so hard for the visitors, and was their go-to to find holes in Suva’s defense was rewarded with a try of her own in what was also the match’s final points.
Suva take their win to await Nadi whilst Yasawa return to the West to take on Lautoka in their respective round 10 games next week.
Scoring Sequence (Suva vs Yasawa)
