The Rabbitohs beat the Kaiviti Silktails 20-14 in the second round of the Jersey Flegg Cup at Churchill Park in Lauroka yesterday. Despite having the opportunity to secure their first win, the home side’s chances were hampered by costly mistakes.
Silktails head coach Wes Naiqama acknowledged the positives from the match but highlighted the need to address disciplinary issues that saw two players sin binned.
“We fell short there, but a lot of positives can be taken to the next round. It was a change from our performance last week,” Naiqama said.
“Having two players in the sin binned at different stages of the game allowed the Rabbitohs to score two tries in that period, so that’s the part we have to fix up,” Naiqama said. Rabbitohs head coach Chris O’Connell credited the rain for assisting their victory.
“We defended very well, we came with a very simple game plan. I think the weather suited us more – if it would have been dry the players would have been throwing the ball around a little bit more which would make it hard for us,” O’Connell.
Silktails 14 – Tries: Seru Kalounivalu 13′, Bili Taria 40′, Mosese Taramecegu 61′; Conversions: Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei 15′.
Rabbitohs 20 – Tries: Rowan McIntosh 2′, Carson Kaho 19′, Brent Hawkins 54′; Conversions: Hawkins 3′, 21′ 55′; Penlaty goals: Hawkins 66′. Half-time: Silktails 6-12 Rabbitohs.
