Yasawa rallied from behind, racking up 10 tries to down Naitasiri with a resounding 58-26 win in their round one game of the ANZ Marama Championship at Prince Charles Park in Nadi today.
The champs scored four tries in the first half, for their bonus point and followed up with six tries ably supported by two yellow cards conceeded by the visitors in the latter stages of the game.
Naitasiri opened the proceedings with two consecutive converted tries within the first 10 minutes of the game via scrumhalf Maraia Roravudi and Mere Vitutuki to lead 14-0, but that was to be their only say in the spell.
Yasawa responded with their four tries in succession via Vika Nakacua, Vitorina Veikoso, Aseri Delai and Raijeli Kanamoli to reclaim the lead and stamp their dominance into the breather 24-14.
Yasawa continued their dominance in the second half, with tries from Kelera Wanono (converted by Nacaucauceva) and Mere Watiqolo, pushing the score to 36-14. Naitasiri fought back with a try by Iliana Baikeirewa, converted by Rokotuisawa, closing the gap to 36-21. Tempers flared as Naitasiri’s Lusiana Tinai received a yellow card. Yasawa’s Aseri Delai struck again, widening the margin to 41-21. Naitasiri’s Rokotuisawa also earned a yellow card. Yasawa’s Salote Vuniwaqa added to the scoreboard, making it 46-21. Veikoso scored her second try, with Paulina Aqela converting, extending Yasawa’s lead to 53-21.Yasawa’s Nacaucauceva sealed the victory with another try. Naitasiri’s Mereani Lesumainiusali had the final say with a try, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Yasawa’s dominance.
However, in the U20 grade, Naitasiri won their game even before taking the pitch after Yasawa turned up at the grounds without the required numbers on the bench, with officials awarding the visitors a win.
The two teams took to the ground nevertheless, at the request of the officials, to fine-tune their prep and gauge combinations for next week’s games. Naitasiri will host Tailevu at Ratu Cakobau Park, and Navosa host Yasawa at Vatureba Park.
