CAKAUDROVE have secured their place in the Vanua Challenge semi-finals after a hard-fought 19-11 victory over Tavua in their quarter-final clash yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva.
Early dominance in the first half proved decisive as Tavua was forced to play catch-up rugby throughout the second half.
The northerners showed resilience and discipline to hold off the Tavua onslaught until the final whistle.
Captain Aquino Savenaca described the achievement as a proud moment, successfully leading his provincial team to the semi-finals.
“This is a really happy and proud moment for me, it’s really an honour to represent my Vanua. This is just my second year with the team and I’m so glad we have made it to the semi-finals this year,” Savenaca said.
The win is particularly special for a team that missed out on the top four in last year’s competition.
For most players, it was their first time playing a quarter-final at the national stadium, marking a significant milestone in their young rugby careers.
“There are a lot of improvements we need to make before the semi-finals. For most of the players, this has been a very big exposure for them,” he explained.
“Most of them, this is their first quarter-final in the national stadium where the game is probably broadcasted. It really showed on the field, and we need to improve on that before the semis.”
In other results, Vatukoula edged Macuata 43-32, Ra defeated Ovalau 34-28, while Northland defeated Namosi 23-21.
In the Vanua Challenge U20 quarter-finals, Macuata thrashed Vatukoula 40-17, Coastland edged Namosi 27-12, Cakaudrove beat Tavua 23-13, and Northland defeated Ovalau 24-8.
