THE Fiji Airways Fijiana women’s 7s team pulled through against a defiant Ireland side to beat them 26-17 in their first pool match at the Hong Kong 7s at Kai Tak Stadium yesterday.
Fiji drew first blood with a converted try by Adita Milinia in the second minute of play, as the Irish were kept away from the Fijian tryline by the defiant level of defence placed by the Richie Walker coached-side.
A second try by Adimereani Rogosau answered to the first one made by Milinia, however the conversion was not successful as points stood at 12-0 for the Fijiana.
With the clock ticking to the breather, Ireland placed an unconverted try.
In the second half, Ireland added a converted try as points now stood at 12-all, a deadlock waiting to be broken by either team.
It broke when Ireland scored an unconverted try, taking the lead 17-12.
Towards the end of play, a surge for the try line by Fijiana player Mereula Torooti was cut short as the Irish pinned her down to end any further effort to score.
A converted try by Lavena Cavuru from scrum pressure swung Fiji back in the lead at 19-17.
With seconds to go, a final converted try by Verenaisi Ditavutu sealed the 26-17 win for Fiji.
Head coach Richie Walker lauded the efforts of his players in winning their first pool match.
“We made sure that our substitutions knew when they were going on and what they needed to do to finish the game,” Walker said.
“So for us, it’s like no matter who we have on the field, they’ll get the job done.”
