Mission complete as Tailevu got their first bonus point win at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, yesterday.
Tailevu thumped Lautoka 31-12 in their Skipper Cup clash.
Tailevu head coach Samisoni Baikeitoga said he had made it clear to the players that he does not want them to be relegated.
“We have to go and get a bonus point victory and we’ve done it,” he said.
“We now turn our focus on Nadroga because if they win tomorrow the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy will be up for grab.”
What happened: The hosts started strongly by the Lautoka defence held on. In the 20th minute Tailevu fullback Simeli Koniferedi dived over for the first try with Seru Vaniqi converting for a 7-0 lead.
Vaniqi extended their lead to 10-0 in the 26th minute from a penalty.
Halftime: Tailevu 10-0 Lautoka
The hosts kept possession and controlled the tempo of the game to set up openside flanker Timoci Vunimoko for their second try with Simione Kuruvoli converting for a 17-0 lead.
Lautoka registered their first try in the 52nd minute to prop Samu Suguturaga.
The hosts scored their third try in the 69th minute to captain Mosese Naiova with the conversion from Vaniqi, 24-5.
Lautoka bounced back with a try to Peniasi Vuniyayawa and converted by Luveniyali 24-12.
Kuliasi Qaqa sealed Tailevu’s victory in the last minute with Vaniqi’s conversion making it 31-12.
In the women’s clash, Lautoka upset Tailevu 25-20 while in the Under-19 Tailevu thrashed Lautoka 25-7.
Today’s matches
3pm Namosi v Nadroga (double header) at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori; Nadi v Naitasiri at Prince Charles Park, Nadi; Yasawa v Suva at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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