Macuata has advanced to the Royal Tea Ranadi Trophy final after overcoming a spirited Tavua team 31-22 yesterday at the HFC Bank National Stadium.
Both sides displayed heart and resilience in their semi-final tussle, no quarter was given from both sides as they went tit for tat in the first forty. Macuata managed to take a 19-12 lead at half time.
In the second half both teams left everything on the field, the lead kept changing as both sides displayed excellent attacking footy to the delight of the fans.
Despite losing their inspirational captain to an injury, Macuata held on for a 31-12 victory.
Macuata coach Motu Lalavesi has attributed teamwork and playing till the final whistle as the key attributes to their victory.
“I have always emphasised to the girls to have each other’s back on the field, work together and to play 80 minutes of rugby, she said.
When asked if the injury of their captain affected the team’s performance she said, “it didn’t affect our team’s performance because I reminded the girls of all the adversities we have overcome when we left our home to compete in this competition.”
She reminded the player that their struggles should not be in vain, “remember we sailed a very long way, we struggled so much let’s not put it all to waste.”
Lalavesi said the team is confident going into the finals, but their forwards will need to lift their game if they are to stand a chance against Ba. “I need my forwards to improve on their scrum to bring better momentum to our attacks”
Macuata will take on a formidable Ba side who earlier on crushed Rewa 53-24 to confirm their spot in the Ranadi final.
The date and venue of the the Ranadi compeition final is yet to be confirmed.
