Lautoka secure Bainimarama Shield.

The Lautoka Maroons have clinched the 2019 Bainimarama Shield stealing victory 24 – 21 in the dying minutes from Yasawa Blues through a last minute penalty try.

The win also securing their opportunity to challenge the Farebrother Trophy next week.

It was a firing start from both teams powering in attack and solid defense setting the grounds for another tight contest between the two fierce rivals.

Yasawa put the first points on the board through an early penalty slotted by number 12 Jovesa Veitaukula.

With their structured play and control over the ball Yasawa manage to keep play in Lautoka’s 22 and placing the Maroons under repeat pressure, eventually earning another penalty on the 21 minute and taking the lead out to 6-0.

Yasawa struck again in the 23rd minute with loose head prop Joape Masitabua driving his way through the Lautoka defense to the try line extending their lead to 11.

Five minutes before half time Lautoka managed to find their first point when winger Ron Kurulase crossed over the try line to put Lautoka on the board followed by a successful conversion from Peniyasi Vuniyayawa.

Yasawa opened the second half with another penalty right in front of the post where Jovesa Veitaukula kicked it over the bars extending the lead 16-7.

Momentum continued to rise as substitutions injected fresh energy into what was already a high energy contest.

At the 56 minute mark, Lautoka’s Temasia Bulivou scored the Maroons’ second try as Peniasi Vuniyawa continued to finish off the boot, closing the margin 16-14.

Lautoka continued the fight, earning a penalty in the 66th minute and gaining the lead for the first time in the match.

Yasawa weren’t going to concede easily and much to the 7000+ fans delight, 2 minutes later substitute prop Maikeli Sivo touched down a smothered clearance kick from Lautoka’s 22 meter to score for the Blues. Scores 21 – 17.

As Injury time ticked by, with the crowd on edge and the players exhausted, Lautoka camped in Yasawa’s 22 meter zone building patiently through a pick and drive game earning repeat penalties.

Eventually the relentless drive from the Maroon forwards wore down the Yasawa scrum who conceded a penalty try and gave the Maroons a heart stopping win in the Bainimarama Shield.

Lautoka Captain Ilaisa Leca said he was proud of the hard work the boys put in till the last minute which got them the win.

“I want to thank the boys for the hard work put in today even though we were trailing behind in the final minute we continue to work together and got the win.”

He added that they now look forward to the Farebrother Challenge next week and there’s lots of work they’ll need to polish up.

“This win is now over we will now focus to the game next week, and we’ll need to lift up our game and polish up on the areas we lacked today before the main game next week.”

Lautoka will challenge the winner between Suva and Nadroga in the last round of Farebrother Challenge next week.