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Who’ll be best in the west for Vanua Finals.
Garvey Park played host to a huge Vodafone Vanua SemiFinal round last weekend, which has laid the foundation for a huge Grand Final this week in Nadi.
In game one Lautoka faced Nasinu in the women’s 10s division; game 2 saw Tavua against Nanukuloa in the Under-19 and Lautoka met Nanukuloa in the senior men’s match.
Lautoka Women showed their class outplaying Nasinu and dominating the entire 80 minutes of game time with the final score a whopping 52-0.
Throughout the game Lautoka showed proficiency in their structure and Captain Karalaini Naisewa credited the teamwork her girls showed on the field.
“our main focus today was just to go out there play as a team and execute our game plan, and that’s what we did to get this win as the girls really showed team work.”
Lautoka will face Macuata in the Vodafone Vanua Cup Final as Macuata beat Yasawa In the second semifinal in Ovalau.
The Under-19 match between Nanukuloa and Tavua was a tight and intense encounter as both teams came in with great momentum, it was Nanukuloa making first impact with their consistent structure scoring two tries in the first half.
Tavua’s reliance on kick and chase constantly gave away possession but they managed to come back in the second half with a much more improved structure play and gain momentum with a try closing the gap 12-7.
However Nanukuloa cut short Tavua’s chances of qualifying for the finale after fullback Savenaca Qiokata kicked their winning Penalty on the 60th minute taking the lead out of grasp Nanukuloa 15 to Tavua 7.
Nanukuloa will face Yasawa in the Under-19 Vodafone Cup Final after Yasawa beat Ovalau 13-12 at Nasau Park.
The main game between Lautoka and Nanukuloa was electrifying from start till the end as the two side battled it out for a spot in the final.
It was a tussle in the first half as both sides came in with a strong focus on territory through a common kicking game.
Lautoka generated momentum early, putting a score on the board in the 19th minute. The maroons put Nanukuloa under pressure earning a penalty where second row Vatilai Tuisabeto successfully slotted the kick giving Lautoka a 3 point lead.
Going into halftime Lautoka again put Nanukuloa on the ropes on their 22 meter line earning a penalty try extending their lead to 10.
Lautoka continued the onslaught early in the second half through Tuisabeto crossing over the tryline on the 51st minute further extending their lead to 17.
Nanukuloa showed never say die courage, holding out the Lautoka attack, and were resilient to the end scoring through 21 Peni Radrodro on the 80th minute. The surge came too late however, with Lautoka taking the game 17 – 7.
Lautoka head coach Iferemi Rawaqa emphasized that there are some areas they will need address before the final.
Lautoka will play Yasawa in the Vodafone Vanua Cup grand final after Yasawa beat Ovalau 18-10.
Rawaqa said that they will need to assess their defense and lift it before meeting Yasawa in the final.
“We will go back and assess this game, see all grounds which we need to polish up especially our defense and prepare towards the final.”
He added that their main goal is to win the final but also Yasawa will be coming in with the very similar goal “so whoever wants it the most will definitely get it.”
Lautoka take on Yasawa tomorrow at 3.00pm at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.