THE Khelvin Civil Engineering Lautoka Women’s team has bounced back in style, securing an impressive victory over Rewa 51-30 in Round Four of the Subrails Marama Cup competition at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Team manager Litiana Koroibola said the win was a proud moment for the Lautoka side after suffering defeats to Nadi, Nadroga and Naitasiri in their opening three matches.
“We won this home game, and I am proud of the girls for their performance today in getting us a win,” Koroibola said.
The victory was also a reward for the hard work put in by the team management, which has faced challenges in rebuilding the squad after several players moved to other rugby unions. Koroibola, who is in her fourth year as team manager, said recruiting players had been difficult task, prompting the appointment of Alena Laqai as head coach.
Laqai brought in four players from Jasper Williams High School Raluve Under-18 team who made an impact in the Round Four clash.
Despite the three earlier losses, Koroibola said the team never lost faith in its players and believed they could improve as the competition continued.
She acknowledged that there were still areas to work on, particularly discipline, despite the positive result against Rewa.
Lautoka now turns its attention to next week’s challenging assignment against Kadavu, where the Maroons women will travel to Namalata District School ground.
“We will give our best and we will work on our weaknesses,” Koroibola said.
She also issued a special invitation to Lautoka supporters living in Kadavu to come out in numbers.
Koroibola thanked God and the team’s sponsors, BLK and Khelvin Civil Engineering, for their continued support of women’s rugby in Lautoka.
With their first win secured, the Lautoka women will now look to build momentum and make their next outing in Kadavu as another step forward.
Subrails Marama Championship Round 4 results
Nadi 24-24 Tailevu
Suva 36-10 Naitasiri
Kadavu 17-29 Namosi
Lautoka 51-30 Rewa
Nadroga 38-45 Taveuni
Nasinu 41-36 Ba
