Marama Championship: Yasawa women register big win

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Yasawa’s Kelera Ubi on the attack against Rewa during the ANZ Marama Championship at Albert Park yesterday – Saturday, April 1, 2023. Picture: JONA KONATACI

The Yasawa women’s side is yet to be tested after two rounds in the ANZ Marama Rugby Championship.

The side thumped a helpless Rewa side 78-nil in round two of the competition at Albert Park in Suva yesterday.

Five first half tries saw Yasawa lead 31-nil at half-time.

It was one-way traffic in the second spell as the side added another seven tries for the convincing win.

Coach Taione Ratu said he was hoping for a better testing ground for his girls in the next round.

“I think we played well today but it was all one sided. I praise my girls for the good game today. We will go back and start preparations for the next round from Monday,” Ratu said.

He added that the players in his team had much more to play for now.

“Before they would just play but now they know they have so much on offer. Selection for the Fijiana Drua is on their minds while some are also eyeing the sevens and fifteens national jumpers.

“We can see that they are trying harder now. They know that they have an opportunity and they are trying their best to get noticed.

“This is something good for the sport as a whole and especially for women’s rugby in the country.”

In another senior match yesterday, Navosa beat Tailevu 53-10.

In the under-19s, Tailevu beat Navosa 24-19 and Yasawa overpowered Rewa 38-0.

Teams (1-15)

Yasawa: Lilieta Tuwai, Arieta Naulu, Savaira Ratu, Nitaeli Bulou, Kelera Ubi, Sereima Rauqe, Vika Nakacia, Salanieta Kinita, Aseri Delai, Paulini Marama, Salanieta Nasau, Kinisimere Sugta, Tavaita Buadromo Rewa: Timaleti Tabuniwaqa, Veronika Nakavulevu, Unaisi Tinaitubuna, Sera Vitukawalu, Elenoa Dolo, Uliana Naikata, Kesa, Merewalesi Talecake, Elena Laine, Sisi Tinai, Sovata Biliyaraga, Adi Camaibau, Unaisi Tinaitubuna, Adi Sereitoga, Masilini Liku