Naitasiri did all it could, however, Malolo went in with the aim of writing a new chapter in Fijian rugby history and ultimately did so by winning the Skipper Cup for the first time in a thrilling 41-26 victory.
Malolo scored first in the seventh minute with an unconverted try from Tomasi Tawake, replied to by Naitasiri with a converted try from Veniasi Vosawale in the 20th minute with a kick from Etonia Rokotuisawa.
In the 25th minute, Malolo added another five points thanks to Tawake and Naitasiri scored four minutes later with a try from Ilaisa Bete.
Rokotuisawa’s conversion was unsuccessful, while his side led 12-10 at half-time against their Western maritime opponents.
Naitasiri led 12-10 at half-time, as Isaia Rugu of Malolo and Peniasi Vosawale of Naitasiri copped yellow cards in the first half.
Two minutes after the break, Esala Nalobo and Douglas Daveta surged past a dominant Naitasiri defence to place a try and make a conversion respectively.
Malolo stunned the black and red brigade again three minutes later with a converted try made by Peniasi Ratu and kick by Daveta.
At the 49th minute, Joseva Tamata of Malolo added another try while Daveta added another try in the 56th minute that cemented their lead in the final.
Relentless, Naitasiri were seemingly infused with new life afterwards as Sakaraia Soqonakalou and captain Jone Naqiri added two converted tries with kicks made by Rokotuisawa for both of it in the 64th and 69th minute.
In the 66th minute, Rugu copped another yellow card that became a red.
Three minutes to full-time, a blunder of Naitasiri’s left Malolo to look at the Naitasiri goalposts, as Tevita Ledua made a penalty kick that effectively won them the Skipper Cup.
Malolo head coach Rupeni Nasiga reflected on the historical significance of their victory, saying it marked a new dawn for them.
“Today (yesterday), it is the first time for the team from Lawa (the vanua o Lawa) to reach the final and God only knows how happy we all are and we are thankful for his help and guidance,” Nasiga said.
“And we thank Him for helping the players right from when the competition began till now.”
