The McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat the Brumbies 42-25 in their Super W clash at 4R Stadium yesterday, securing their second victory of the season.
Both teams traded blows in a thrilling first half, with the Drua opening the scoring through winger Repeka Tove. The conversion was missed before the Brumbies responded through Ash Bishop, who also failed to add the extras.
The home side regained the lead when Josivini Naihamu crossed over, before a powerful scrum drive allowed number eight Sulita Waisega to dive over for the Drua’s third try.
Bishop kept the visitors in the contest with her second try, but the Drua answered through Meriwarita Neivosa to stretch their advantage.
Bonnie Brewer narrowed the gap with the Brumbies’ third try before Naihamu was sent to the sin bin, leaving the Drua with 14 players. The numerical advantage proved costly as Bishop completed her hat-trick, helping the Brumbies level the scores at 20-20 heading into halftime.
The Drua returned from the break with renewed intensity, taking control of the contest through tries to Salaseini Railumu and Keleni Marawa, although both conversion attempts went astray.
The hosts were reduced to 14 players for a second time after Adi Keri Lawavou received a yellow card for foul play, allowing the Brumbies to respond with their fifth try.
However, the Drua refused to surrender momentum.
Tove crossed for her second try of the afternoon to extend the lead to 35-25 before Naihamu sprinted away to score her second try after the full-time siren and was successful with conversion, sealing an impressive 42-25 victory.
The bonus-point win strengthens the Drua Women’s Super W campaign as they continue to build momentum in the competition.
