THE Vodafone Fiji Bulikula began a new chapter in history winning their first ever international Test match beating the PNG Orchids 28-0 during the Pacific Test Series at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney last night. Bulikula captain Josephine Maejiirs was overwhelmed with the outcome and the resilience shown by the Bulikula.
“Just to look at the scoreboard and it’s 28-0 is just amazing,” Maejiirs said.
“We came here to face our giants and we did just that.”
The Bulikula shook off first game jitters early retaining the ball from kick-off with Canecia Sims straightening up to take the first tackle.
Quick ball out to the right found an overlap putting left centre Patricia Raikadroka over in the corner for the Bulikula’s first ever try.
Dummy half Sereana Naitokatoka added the two points successfully from the corner. Bulikula skipper Maejiirs found a gap for a 10 metre run keeping the Orchids on the backfoot.
A replica of the first try found a four on three overlap with a miss pass to the corner sending former Olympian Roela Radiniyavuni over for Bulikula’s second try with Naitokatoka adding the two points.
Both teams went to the break with Bulikula in front 12-0. Bulikula began the second half as they did in the first half with hard running pushing the Orchid defence back to their five metre.
Forward Asena Rokomarama sniped the edge of the tackle box to dive over for their third try. Naitokatoka nailed the conversion from right in front.
Teaghan Hartgan who has been strong on defence all night also showed strength bouncing off tackles and diving under the sticks for Fiji’s fourth try of the night seven minutes from fulltime.
Naitokatoka followed through with her fourth successful conversion.
Raikadroka hammered the final nail in the coffin when fullback Timaima Ravisa edged around the corner to slip the ball back on the inside finding Raikadroka to cross-over.
Naitokatoka missed the conversion with her final kick and final act of play. Bulikula marched out victors by 28-0.
Former Fijiana and Bulikula fullback Timaima Ravisa was named player of the match.
Vodafone Fiji Bulikula: 1. Timaima Ravisa 2. Roela Radiniyavuni 3. Patricia Raikadroka 4. Tanika Marshall 5. Limaina Wai 6. Teaghan Hartigan 7. Sereana Naitokatoka 8. Canecia Sims 9. Ateca Leiyamo 10. Analei Netzler 11. Talei Holmes 12. Josephine Maejiirs 13. Jiowana Sauto 14. Vilisi Vakaloloma 15. Losena Qiolevu 16. Merewairita Nai 17. Asena Rokomarama 18. Eloise Vunakece
PNG Orchids: 1. Shac- Yvonne De La Cruz 2. Jacobeth Wake 3. Catherine Anjo 4. Lancy Ulkambane 5.Joan Kuman 6. Amelia Kux 7.Roswita Kapo 8.Elsie Albert 9. Therese Aiton 10. Winnie Steven 11.Gloria Kaupa 12. Shirley Jerry 13. Carol Humeu 14.Ayleen Sony 15. Vero Wajla 16.Lekiella Brown-Niki 17.Samantha Kuman
