THE Fiji Women’s Prime Ministers XIII went down to the Australia Prime Ministers XIII 22-14 in their historic first ever match last night at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
Fiji coach Adrian Vowles commended their sides spirted performance despite the loss.
“I couldn’t ask for a more spirted performance we gave everything we had.” Vowles said.
In a game of quarters, Fiji drew first blood with Sesenieli Donu diving in the corner for their first try.
Fiji PM XIII pivot Sereana Naitokatoka unsuccessful with the conversion.
Former Fiji centre Patricia Raikadroka got the Australia PM XIII on the board minutes later to equalise with the conversion by Kirra Dibb missed.
Fiji’s Vasiti Ramotiqa got Fiji’s second try after carrying three would be tacklers to the line.
Fiji led at the break 8-4.
Australia intensified the pace early in the second half an after a brief passage of play created an overlap to send Raikadroka in for her second try with the conversion unsuccessful to equal the score.
Fiji dummy-half Asena Rokomarama regained the lead midway in the second with Naitokatoka adding the two points from the sideline.
Michael Perk equalised the points once more sniping from the box and diving over for a try and also adding the two points.
Australia showed their gripe in the last quarter running in two tries through Asipau Mafi and Raikadroka completing her hat trick with Perk missing both conversions.
Australia Women’s PM XIII lineup
- Karina Brown 2. Brydie Parker 3. Patricia Raikadroka 4. Bobbi Law 5. Tess Staines 6.Kirra Dibb 7.Quincy Dodd 8.Samantha Economos 9.Michael Perk 10.Taimane Levu 11.Kaitlyn Phillips 12.Jasmin Allende 13.Caitlan Johnson 14.Asipau Mafi 15.Lakar Paitai 16.Kaarla Cowan 17. Brianna Clark 18. Christian Pio 19. Tayla Preston 20.Kristine Vaalepu
Fiji Women’s PM XIII lineup
1.Timaima Ravisa 2.Sesenieli Donu 3.Roela Radiniyavuni 4.Tanika Marshall 5.Limaina Wait 6.Vasiti Ramotiqa 7.Sereana Naitokatoka 8.Canecia Sims 9.Asena Rokomarama 10.Sereima Rauqe 11.Vilisi Vakaloloma 12.Eloise Vunakece 13.Josephine Maejiirs 14.Jiowana Sauto 15.Makelesi Lalabalavu 16.Merewairita Nai 17.Wainikiti Deku 18.Analei Nextler.
