Bilibili Power Past Kaunitoni in Entertaining Na Soko Round 3 Clash

Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka – A dominant second-half display from Bilibili saw them defeat Kaunitoni 41–22 in the opening match of Round 3 in the Na Soko Tournament today.

Trailing only 15–10 at halftime, Bilibili shifted into another gear in the final 40 minutes, running in six tries in total and sealing a comprehensive victory to remain among the competition’s front-runners.

The match, played under perfect conditions at Lawaqa Park, began with promise for Kaunitoni. Opening the scoreboard from a penalty to former Fijiana rep Wainikiti Vosadrau and then Bilibili levelled the score four minutes later from Iva Nabura. However, unforced errors and missed opportunities in key moments proved costly.

Assistant coach Bill Maya expressed his disappointment post-match, noting, “The strategies we planned didn’t eventuate. We spent too much time in the red zone and failed to exit. Fatigue played a role in our defensive breakdowns, especially in the final quarter.”

Despite strong efforts from Maria Rokotuisiga and Mere Navue, who both crossed for tries, Kaunitoni couldn’t contain the speed and fluidity of Bilibili’s attacking line. A yellow card to Mere Watiqolo in the second half further tilted momentum in Bilibili’s favour.

On the other side, Bilibili’s try-scorers included Selai Naliva, Younis Bese, Ada Dansey, and Loata Berenado, with former 7s rep and Olympian Viniana Riwai contributing nine (9) points through the boot. The team’s chemistry and flair were on full display as they exploited gaps with sharp offloads and decisive running.

For Fijiana and Suva winger Younis Bese, the match held extra meaning. “Most of us knew this could be our last time playing together, so the coaches just told us to have fun—and we did,” she said with a smile. “This franchise format is such a good opportunity for girls across Fiji. It allows us to mix, not just rely on Suva-based players, and build something bigger for women’s rugby.”

Bese, who has previously represented Fiji in both 15s and 7s formats, highlighted the value of the Na Soko platform in nurturing unity and growth: “We had to gel as a team from different unions—some girls from the West, some from the capital. That mix really helps us grow as players and as a rugby nation.”

With the win, Bilibili move confidently toward the next round, while Kaunitoni will return to training with valuable lessons to prepare for their next fixture.

Na Soko Tournament

Round 3

Match 1 – KAUNITONI 22 BILIBILI 41

Friday 25 April, 2025

Lawaqa Park

Referee: Lavenia Racaca, Meresiana Savenaca

Half-time: 10-15

KAUNITONI (1-15): Ilisapeci Susaru, Sereima Rauqe, Mere Watiqolo, Ani Waikola, Torika Semo, Margaret Wye, Ulamila Likubai, Doreen Narokete, Livia Naidei, Iva Nabura, Virisila Kaunilomaloma, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Taraivini Adiraba, Maria Rokotuisiga, Vaciseva Cavuru

RESERVES: Basilisa Tagibau, Filomena Kasami, Zipporah Salusalu, Kelera Ubi, Mere Navue, Vitorina Toga, Sereana Naweni, Siteri Tabua

Try: Ivamere Nabura, Mere Navue, Maria Rokotuisiga

Con: Wainikiti Vosadrau (2)

Pen goal: Wainikiti Vosadrau

Yellow card: Mere Watiqolo

BILIBILI (1-15): Makereta Tunidau, Selai Naliva, Ada Dansey, Ana Moceura, Elenoa Dauni, Sainiana Qoro, Ilisapeci Molikula, Fulori Nabura, Tanya Tepa, Viniana Riwai, Younis Bese, Loata Berenado, Iliana Bakeirewa, Sera Tagimaiwasa, Merewalesi Kado

RESERVES: Silina Baselala, Tupou Daveta, Luisa Koroi, Laisa Takayawa, Kesaia Senikuba, Litiana Lawedrau, Noelani Baselala, Milika Drugunavanua

Try: Selai Naliva, Loata Berenado, Ada Dansey, Younis Bese, Elenoa Dauni, Tanya Tepa

Con: Riwai (3), Loata Berenado

Penalty goal: Viniana Riwai