The Vodafone Fiji Bati kept their promotion to the Pacific Cup journey on track with a thrilling 56-6 win over Cook Islands’ Aitu at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday.
The Cook Islands came out strong, with Delahia Wigmore landing a big hit on Maika Sivo in the opening minute, forcing a loose ball.
It looked like Fiji might be in for a tough match as they struggled to complete their first few sets, but hooker Rua Ngatikaura soon turned things around just two metres from the line, Ngatikaura slipped through traffic to give the Cooks its first try.
From there, it was all Fiji. NRL star Sunia Turuva bulldozed over two defenders to score, with Taane Milne converting to extend the lead.
Bati found their rhythm with powerful carries and sharp passing, and Michael Jennings added another try, leaving Cook Islands’ centre Wigmore in his wake.
Viliame Kikau, quiet last week against PNG, made his mark in the 27th minute by setting up Jennings for his second try with a deft pass through a gap in the defense.
Just before halftime, Kitione Kautoga crossed the line, capping a brilliant set that began deep in Bati territory. Fiji headed to the break with a comfortable 24-6 lead.
The Cook Islands pushed back after halftime, keeping Fiji scoreless for ten minutes, but Cowboys winger Semi Valemei soon broke through.
Chasing a high kick from Kurt Donoghoe, Valemei soared above the defense to score between the posts.
Fiji kept piling on the points as Jennings claimed his third try, with Sivo and Valemei adding to the scoreboard in the closing minutes.
Sivo’s speed and power were on full display as he crossed twice in quick succession, while Valemei secured a double of his own.
Fiji Bati head coach acknowledged they faced but praised the team’s defence for holding the Cook Islands to a single try.
“From last week, we knew that cutting errors and keeping discipline would bring us here today. The boys worked hard to execute that,” he said.
The Fiji Bati team now depends on a victory from the Cook Islands Aitu against Papua New Guinea Kumuls next week to secure their path to the final of the 2024 Pacific Championship.
