FLANKER Sevanaia Rauqe scored a late try to earn Lautoka a much needed bonus point victory against Tavua in the Skipper Cup at Nadovu Park yesterday.
The clash between the two bottom placed teams was a heated one with six yellow cards flashed in the match as the hosts romped to a 25-0 win.
The Maroons started the match strongly racing away to a 10 point lead within the first five minutes before the Tavua defence settled.
Tavua, without a point after seven rounds of competition, tried hard to find the opening but wrong options and poor ball handling cost the side dearly.
Lautoka was boosted with the services of veterans Kelemedi Bola and Ifereimi Naruma who had been especially recruited for the remaining rounds of the competition.
Former Lautoka skipper Peniona Ranitu, who is the assistant Maroons coach, said they were very happy with the result.
Ranitu said they made many changes from the last game in order to gain maximum points.
“The boys trained hard this week,” he said.
“We worked on the new combinations. The old players like Bola and Naruma came in to add experience.
“We are hoping to maintain the momentum from now on and will have to win all the remaining games to stay in the top eight.”
Tavua team manager Lepani Liga expressed disappointment with the performance of his side.
Liga said the boys did not play according to the game plan.
“They gave away unnecessary penalties,” he said.
“They defended well but Lautoka capitalised on the chances that we gave away.
“It is now very difficult to stay in the top flight because we do not have any points.”
Peni Laqasa scored the opening try in the first minute for the hosts which was converted by Opeti Ratucati who then slotted in a penalty in the fourth minute.
Lautoka led 10-0 at the break.
Aseri Tuivaga scored the second try on resumption of the second half while Luke Lomata scored the third in the 49th minute. Noa Rabici, Rupeni Naqiri, Malakai Qase and Ratucati received yellow cards for Lautoka while Tavua’s Gabrieli Ratu and Semi Bale also spent time in the sin bin.
Lautoka: Rupeni Naqiri, Atunaisa Uluimoala, Aseri Tuivaga, Ifereimi Naruma, Navitalai Kunaqica, Sevanaia Rauqe, Malakai Qase, Viliame Boko, Kelemedi Bola, Sisa Saukawa, Luke Lomata, Noa Rabici, Peni Lasaqa, Sam Speight, Opeti Ratucati.
Tavua: Iveri Momo, Isaia Nadumu, Eresi Rokobaro, Seremaia Dela, Tomasi Lagikula, Gabirieli Ratu, Apisai Ralulu, Eroni Qasi, Alivereti Kamikamica, Isei Matai, Orisi Tabote, Ifereimi Duvaga, Ropate Narodamu, Semi Ralulu, Semisi Vauvau.
