Round 1: Na Soko Match Reports

Stalemate in Sigatoka as Kaunitoni and Takia Share Points

The highly anticipated opening clash of NA SOKO (The Voyage) lived up to its billing with a thrilling 5-5 draw between Kaunitoni and Takia at Lawaqa Park on Friday. Despite wet conditions hampering play, both teams delivered a spirited performance that left fans excited for what’s ahead in the competition.

Rain-Soaked Battle

The first half remained scoreless, with both sides struggling to maintain possession in the rain. Defensive discipline and forward tussles dominated the early exchanges, with neither team able to convert territory into points.

Second-Half Action

Takia opened the scoring in the second half when Suluweti Lovaki powered over for a try after sustained pressure in the red zone. But Kaunitoni bounced back, leveling the match through Taraivosa Tagivetaua who capitalized on solid build-up play to crash over the try line.

Coach Reactions

Kaunitoni’s head coach Cohan Politini praised his side’s defensive commitment:

“We wanted to start very basic and just work on holding on to our position, work on one part of our structure and also on our defense. I think the girls did that well, especially given the weather condition. Coming together in three days and putting on that kind of performance, it shows that they are focus on the main prize which is to get a hold of one of those white jerseys come World Cup later this year.”

Ilai Derenalagi, Takia’s coach, focused on team chemistry and player evaluation:

“It’s the first round. We were testing combinations and positions by switching the players around. The girls were excited to play, and our set pieces were better than expected.”

NA SOKO (The Voyage)

ROUND 1 – MATCH 1

KAUNITONI 5 TAKIA 5

Friday 11th April

Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka

Referee: Meresiana Savenaca

KO: 4pm

Half-Time: 0-0

KAUNITONI (1-15): Zippora Salusalu, Sereima Rauqe, Ilisapeci Suraro, Aviame Veidreyaki, Taraivosa Tagivetaua, Margaret Wye, Merewati Qolo, Doreen Narokete, Livia Nadei, Ivamere Nabura, Virisita Kauniloloma, Taraivini Adiraba, Wainikiti Vosadrau, Maria Rokotuisiga, Vatiseva Cavuru

RESERVES: Ilisapeci Viti, Salote Nadakuitavuki, Meme Navue, Kinisimere Radrodrolagi, Victorian Veikoso, Siteri Tabua, Sereana Naweni

Try: Taraivosa Tagivetaua

TAKIA (1-15): Litiana Marama, Bulou Wainikiti Adi Keri Lawavou, Mere Biau, Loata Talilevu, Teresia Tinanivalu, Ulamila Likubai, Elenoa Manini, Laisani Watikadi, Kinisalote Vusawa, Anabela Satala, Limaina Wai, Aseri Delai, Suluweti Lovaki, Losana Kuruibua

RESERVES: Kalesi Naruma, Taufa Ravouvou, Merewai Nasilasila, Mere Adileni, Miriama Marama, Nunia Salaivalu, Lucy Sotia, Aqela Raitubu

Try: Sulueti Lovaki

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Bilibili Storm Past Camakau To Open Campaign With Big Pain 

Bilibili launched their NA SOKO 2025 campaign with a confident 32–14 victory over Camakau in the second match of Round 1 at Lawaqa Park this evening.

Led by captain Ada Dansey, Bilibili produced a well-structured and balanced performance, showcasing strength in attack and control in possession. Six different try scorers contributed to the victory, highlighting the depth and attacking options across the squad.

Despite the loss, Camakau showed resilience and flashes of promise, particularly through tries from Mata Bale and Salote Nalolo, with Adi Ana Lutunauca converting both. The team, playing their first match, gained valuable experience and displayed strong individual moments.

Coach Reactions

Aca Ratuva (Camakau):

“It’s our first game together and it exposed some areas to work on, but I’m happy to see the girls enjoyed themselves. I told them to express themselves when they play. Coaching women’s rugby is a different experience from the men’s game—I’ve had to adjust and work at their pace to build up their skills.”

Tavaita Rowati (Bilibili):

“The execution today was good. We saw solid basics being done well, though we lacked consistency. This was an opportunity for the girls to get better each day, and hopefully push for higher honours—whether it’s the World Cup, Fijiana Drua, or even the Fijiana 7s. We practiced the game plan on Wednesday and again Thursday, and it showed tonight. We’ll continue to build on this momentum and tighten up our technical areas.”

Round 1 Match 2

CAMAKAU 14 BILIBILI 32

Friday 11 April 2025

Lawaqa Park

Referee: Vika Eranavula

KO: 6pm

Half-Time: 7-17

CAMAKAU (1-15): Taraivini Silivale, Mata Bale, Tuliana Ragadi, Asenaca Naio, Siteri Rabili, Esther Mahaga, Lusiana Tinai, Susana Railumu (cpt), Carolline Valentine, Lusiana Keperieli, Michellae Stolz, Salote Vuniwaqa, Melaia Matanatabu, Sera Talemai, Adi Ana Lutunauca

RESERVES: Makelesi Tabuakarawa, Mereani Kuru, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Asenaca Siata, Livia Tubailagi, Arieta Tonono

Tries: Mata Bale, Salote Nalolo

Con: Adi Ana Lutunauca (2)

BILIBILI (1-15): Makereta Tunidau, Selai Naliva, Ada Dansey (cpt), Ana Moceura, Elenoa Dauni, Sainiana Qoro, Ilisapeci Molikula, Fulori Nabura, Tanya Tepa, Jennifer Ravutia, Merewalesi Kado, Loata Berenado, Iliana Bakeirewa, Younis Bese, Adiciba Nareki

RESERVES: Silina Baselala, Siteri Mataele, Reape Direuva, Rosemary Qoro, Pearl Grace, Seini Yaco, Rejieli Uluinayau, Kesaia Senikuba

Tries: Tanya Tepa, Rosemary Qoro, Ada Dansey, Fulori Nabura, Kesaia Senikuba, Siteri Mataele

Con: J Ravutia