Giant-killers Malolo Rugby Club celebrated a historic achievement by clinching the Skipper Cup title for the first time in their history, triumphing over Naitasiri with a score of 41-26 at the HFC Stadium. This victory comes on the heels of a remarkable journey through the tournament, where they defeated Nadroga in the quarterfinals and sectioned Nadi in the semifinals.
The thrilling final showcased Malolo’s incredible resilience, especially in the second half where they surged with a stunning 28 points. The significance of their victory cannot be overstated; it marks a monumental comeback for a club that was previously competing in the Vanua Cup and exemplifies one of the greatest moments in Fijian rugby history.
Malolo’s players embraced the moment passionately, with standout player Eminoni Nasilasila, who was initially ruled out for being ineligible, joining in the celebrations post-match—his tears a testament to the emotional weight of their victory. Tomasi Tawake got the scoring underway with a try, while former French international Virimi Vakatawa played a vital role in the midfield, demonstrating strong carrying ability throughout the game.
The match started off tightly contested, but Malolo quickly put Naitasiri on the back foot in the second half, scoring three consecutive tries in the opening ten minutes. This included a spectacular dummy from Esala Nalobo that caught defenders off guard. However, Naitasiri showed their tenacity as well, with their hooker Seremaia Komailevuka scoring a crucial try to give his side a temporary lead of 12-10 at halftime.
Despite a tough defense from Naitasiri, Malolo’s speed and strategy proved to be too much as they capitalized on a weakened Naitasiri side—both flyhalf Etonia Rokotuisawa and number eight Maciu Vakacabeqoli receiving yellow cards. Malolo’s inside center, Josevata Tamata, and captain Jone Naqiri scored successive tries driving the momentum in their favor, culminating in Douglas Daveta successfully nailing a penalty late in the game to secure the title.
Malolo’s victory is not just a milestone for the club but also a source of inspiration for the community. It highlights the potential of dedication and teamwork, demonstrating how far they have come from their earlier challenges in the sport. As they bask in the glory of their triumph, the future looks bright for Malolo Rugby Club, promising exciting developments and achievements in Fijian rugby.