Quarter-finals of the 2024 Skipper Cup under-20 competition is the target of the Tailevu side which defeated Lautoka 25-17 in a round eight fixture at Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park on Saturday.
Coach Ponipate Bainivalu said his side aimed at making it into the last eight with two rounds of regular competition left.
“We entered this round seventh on the ladder and happy to come out with the win today (yesterday),” said the coach.
Ponipate added most of the players in his team were under the age of 18 which was a good sign for the future.
“We knew this was going to be our development year as most players are less than 18 years old, so we are looking to build this team for the next few years.”
Tailevu opened the scoring with a try to flanker Lote Koroi. Lautoka replied with a try of their own from loose head prop Timoci Natabu.
Lautoka’s fullback Rusiate Bolavucu added the conversion and a penalty as Lautoka led 10-8 at halftime.
The hosts had a much better second half performance as Koroi added his second try while outside centre Josevata Uluinaceva and number eight Waisale Ravutuba added tries in the second spell.
Lautoka could only manage a consolation try from replacement prop Epeli Waqavonovono.
Tailevu takes on Macuata in round nine this Saturday at Subrail Park.
Tailevu: Manueli Maisamoa, Eneri Sauturaga, Lote Tabaki, Saimone Turagalailai, Tevita Ramacika, Isoa Laulaba, Lote Koroi, Waisale Ravutuba, Josua Kilawekana, Naitoko Sulua, Atikini Buadromo, Joshua Rokodurucoko, Josevata Uluinaceva, Morotikei Soko, James Vuli. Lautoka: Timoci Natabu, Bruce Matatolu, Toga Curubula, Onisi Burekama, Josh King, Ratu Viliame Nato, Sisa Nacedru, Saimoni Qaranivalu, Suliasi Lagi, Peniasi Bale, Vilimoni Tora, Tevita Nacola, Akuila Levukaiciwa, Paulo Rusaku, Rusiate Bolavucu
