Macuata Rugby secured a bonus 32-15 victory against Yasawa Rugby in the eighth round of the Skipper Cup Competition at Churchill Park Ground Three yesterday.
The men in red were dominant right from the start, with Joni Koroilagilagi opening the scoring with a penalty kick. Kinijoji Siliyadua and fullback Viliame Maiono further bolstered Macuata’s lead with two tries, both successfully converted by Koroilagilagi.
Yasawa managed to score the opening try through Joseva Vunisa in the 10th minute, who also kicked a penalty in the 34th minute. However, Macuata maintained their lead with a halftime score of 17-8.
In the second half, Macuata intensified their efforts, adding another 15 points to their tally through a penalty kick and conversion by Viliame Maiono, as well as two tries by Vereti Naruru. Yasawa only managed to secure a penalty try in the second half.
Macuata head coach Voreqe Bainimarama said their aim was to beat Yasawa to avoid relegation.
“We worked hard to improve our weaknesses from Ba game last week and I thank the boys for all the effort. Our aim was to win and count this game as a final, it was a crucial game to us.
“We thank our supporters for coming out in numbers,” Bainimarama said.
Meanwhile Yasawa Rugby coach Taione Ratu said, “It was a good game and Macuata deserve the win,” Ratu said.
In other results in the ANZ Marama Championship Senior division Yasawa beat Nasinu 29-20 in the U20 division Nasinu thumped Yasawa 83-0.
