Macuata claimed lost glory, winning the 2020 Vanua Championship women’s title yesterday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Beating Serua in a 34-24 nail-biter Macuata skipper Lanieta Lala said it was sweet redemption after losing in last year’s final.
“We crossed the seas with a mission and that was not to return empty handed,” the number eight said.
“We fought hard all season to get to the final and the hard work has paid off as we return with the trophy.”
Humble Serua captain Miliana Loco said it was a hard loss to swallow but the better team won.
“One will win and one will lose, it wasn’t our day and hats off to our girls for giving their all and Macuata for the win.”
Macuata took an early 24-12 lead running in four tries from lock Salia Tuilevuka, a brace from inside centre Vitalina Naikore, blind wing Unaisi Vatulili and outside centre Loame Sinunibogi adding two conversions.
Serua’s first half points came from blindwing Elena Kirikirikula and hooker Amelia Vatutawa with Loco adding one conversion.
Serua equalised after the break with two quick tries from reserve tighthead prop Siteri Kalouniuca and openside flanker Vani Raluve with Loco adding a second conversion.
But Macuata ended the game too strong with two tries in the dying quarter from Sinunibogi and Lala to seal the deal.
Teams:
Macuata: 1.Ana Talei 2.Lusiana Dinukai 3.Alisi Ravua 4.Mereani Tukulu 5.Sala Tuilevuka 6.Asenaca Vocevakaca 7.Buna Tukula 8.Lanieta Lala 9.Vitorina Toga 10.Viniana Simon’s 11.Unaisi Vatulili 12.Vitalina Naikore 13.Loane Sinunibogi 14.Sivoki Disa 15.Jokapeci Tavo. Reserves: 16.Teresia Ranadi 17.Basilisa Tagibau 18.Salaseini Bulitunuloa 19.Melisa Yabaki 20.Teresia Makelesi 21.Camari Nabose 22.Meri Tokalau 23.Litia Vakabua
Serua: 1.Monika Raiqeu 2.Amelia Vatutawa 3.Irene Vuidravuwalu 4.Kuini Berdette 5.Kalesita Tabuadrau 6.Merewalesi Talecake 7.Vani Raluve 8.Miliana Loco 9.Asenaca Lutu 10.Sisilia Tinai 11.Elena Kirikirikula 12.Amelia Cevariki 13.Adi Kelera Cerecere 14.Merewalesi Kado 15.Filomena Rokosuka. Reserves: 16.Uliana Naikata 17.Siteri Kalouniuca 18.Miliakere Buloukula 19.Merelita Rokosova 20.Daiana Canavanua 21.Leila Cakaunivalu 22.Mereoni Naitau 23.Cilia Kalokalo
