The Western Maroons side successfully defended the Fiji National Rugby League Vanua State of Origin Series after a 30-8 win over the Eastern Blues at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park yesterday.
Backed by Western Division supporters, the Maroons came from behind to clinch the series title.
The Eastern Blues started the match well as three successful penalties saw them leading 6-nil early on.
A try to Maroons’ replacement Aisake Kedraika just before the break saw the teams rest tied 1-all.
The Maroons came out firing in the second spell and ran in four unanswered tries. Aminisitai Junior, Feresi Kaveniloga, Ilaitia Qoro and Bale Bureduadua scored second-half tries to seal the win and series for the Blues.
Maroons coach Sivaniolo Varo dedicated the win to the late Tui Sabeto Ratu Tevita Mataitoga.
“We dedicate this win to the late Tui Sabeto. This win is for him,” Varo said.
“I reminded the boys at half-time that we are the holders of the title and we needed to retain it. Thanks to the Lord for giving us the strength today to retain our title.”
The Blues had won the opening match 19-14 in July while the Maroons won the second match 26-6 in August.
Meanwhile, the Blues took out the under-19 division title defeating the Western Maroons 22-6 in the decider after leading 12-6 at half-time.
Captain Epi Baleisawani said despite the challenges in preparations, the team managed to pull through.
“We only had a week of preparation heading into the last game and I am proud of the way the boys played. Hats off to them for the hard work they put in,” Baleisawani said.
The Eastern Blues also won the Women’s competition despite losing the last match. They won the series 2-1 having won the earlier two games.
Team manager Selita Bolanavanua thanked the opposition for a tough outing.
“We thank the Maroons team for fighting until the last whistle. The girls had a good series and we are glad to come out with the series title. Special thanks to our major sponsor the Chinese Embassy for helping the team out,” Bolanavanua said.
q Teams (men’s): q Western Maroons (1-13): Kinijoji Namaka, Jone Sauvaka, Vilikesa Tuidama, Josua Soronakadavu, Aisake Kedraika, Vilikesa Bete, Ratusela Nauci, Apakuki Tora, Inia Tobua, Etonia Saukuru, Akula Bebe, Sekove Nasaudrodro, Ulaiasi Radrovi
q Eastern Blues (1-13): Napolioni Kalouvatu, Jone Ratulevu, Luke Gucake, Joeli Baleilevuka, Eremasi Batibasaga, Samuela Bukanisoqosoqo, Sanaila Corivatu, Anisito Komai, Marika Delaikoro, Authur Nawaqa, Sanaila Vala, Orisi Vulacanavanua