Kaunitoni Clinch Narrow Victory Over Camakau in NA SOKO Round 2 Opener

The second round of the NA SOKO Women’s Rugby Tournament kicked off with an electrifying match between Kaunitoni and Camakau, with Kaunitoni securing a narrow 21–19 victory in a hard-fought contest.

Both teams demonstrated significant improvement from Round 1, showing greater cohesion and tactical awareness throughout the match. Kaunitoni’s attacking flair was on full display, with tries from Vatiseva Cavuru, Ivamere Nabura, and Zipporah Salusalu. Conversions by Siteri Tabua and Wainikiti Vosadrau proved vital in edging out the win.

Despite yellow cards issued to Sereima Naweni and Finau Kaulele, Kaunitoni remained composed under pressure and held off a spirited Camakau comeback.

Camakau responded with determination, crossing the try line through Caroline Ligaiviu, Salote Nailolo, and Esther Mahanga. Two conversions by Adi Ana Lutunauca brought the side within two points.

The NA SOKO Women’s Tournament continues to highlight emerging talent and build capacity for women’s rugby in Fiji. Stay tuned for more exciting action in the upcoming fixtures.

Coach Reactions:

Cohan Politini (Kaunitoni Head Coach):

“We had a very disruptive week, with players training in Suva, Nadi, and Nadroga. Despite those challenges, I’m proud of how the girls came together—especially considering the limited time we had.
I was impressed with their cohesion. We kept reminding them that the players who adapt the fastest are the ones who succeed. I love their spirit and how they’ve bonded. They were strangers on day one, and now they’re playing like a team. We’ll keep working to improve with every game.”

Noame Rabeni (Camakau Assistant Coach):

“It’s a privilege working with high-performance coaches. I’ve learned a lot from them, especially in how we prepare for game day.
There’s definitely been improvement from last week. Our first match was about getting the players out there and finding their fit. This time, we saw more structure, but we still need to work on our line speed in defense and trusting each other on the field.
Personally, I’m growing in my ability to read the game and give constructive feedback during breaks, especially around our attack shapes and defensive patterns.”

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Thursday 17 April 2025

ROUND 2 – MATCH 1

KAUNITONI 21 CAMAKAU 19

Half-Time: 7-5

Referee: Vika Erenavula

Kick Off: 10:00am

KAUNITONI (1-15): Ilisapeci Suraru, Basilina Tajinau, Metewai Qalo, Torika Semo, Kelera Ubi, Margaret Wye, Kinisimere Radrodrolagi, Doreen Narokete, Votirina Veikoso, Siteri Tabua, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Taraivini Adiraba, Maria Rokotuisiga, Vatiseva Cavuru, Sereima Naweni

RESERVE: Sereima Rauqe, Filomena Kasami, Ani Wakilo, Meresiana Marau, Finau Kaulele, Ulamila Bauwale, Zipporah Salusalu, Taraivosa Tagivetaua, Ivamere Nabura

Try: Vatiseva Cavuru, Ivamere Nabura, Zipporah Salusalu

Con: Siteri Tabua, Waiikiti Vosadrau (2)

Yellow card: Sereima Naweni, Finau Kaulele

CAMAKAU (1-15): Taraivini Silivale, Mata Bale, Charlotte Ratuva Siteri Rabili, Asenaca Naio, Esther Mahanga, Lusiana Tinai, Sera Talemai, Salote Nailolo, Livia Tubailagi, Salote Vuniwaqa, Mela Matanatabu, Adi Ana Lutunauca, Michelle Stolz

RESERVE: Makelesi Tabuakarawa, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Lynda Poulter, Caroline Ligaiviu, Arieta Tonono, Maria Roravuelui

Try: Caroline Ligaiviu, Salote Nailolo, Esther Mahanga

Con: Adi Ana Lutunauca (2)

Yellow card: Salote Nailolo