The Vodafone Fiji Bati were dealt with a profound 10-22 defeat at the hands of the Papua New Guinea Kumuls, in their opening NRL Pacific Championship match at the HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
The Kumuls displayed an irresolute performance in both halves, shielding the Bati in an impenetrable fashion and compelling them to defend themselves with little strength in their half of the field.
The tries set by Robert Derby, Judah Rimbu and Sylvester Namo for the Kumuls in the first half at the expense of vulnerable cracks in defence by the Bati, kept them ahead 14-0 when the match went into halftime.
After the breather, a single try by Kumuls player Nene McDonald solidified their victory, however the barren scoreline for the Bati became fertile through tries by Taane Milne and a last minute try by Maika Sivo.
Following the match, coach Wise Kativerata acknowledged his side’s loss, and stated they would have to improve in areas where they faltered in.
“We didn’t complete on a high even though we finished the set, the game didn’t reach the point where we wanted it to,” Kativerata said.
Team captain Tui Kamikamica added the team made errors hindering their progression, but reminded his side to “hang in there” at halftime.
The Bati will now prepare for their next Pacific Championship match against the Cook Islands Aitu, which will take place this Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium once again.
