Malolo Rugby Club achieved a historic milestone by securing their first Skipper Cup title, triumphing over Naitasiri with a score of 41-26 at the HFC Stadium. This victory represents a remarkable achievement in the club’s journey, as they previously overcame Nadroga in the quarterfinals and defeated Nadi in the semifinals.
The final match was a testament to Malolo’s resilience, especially in the second half, where they exploded onto the scoreboard with an impressive 28 points. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Malolo, a club that once competed in the Vanua Cup, and it stands out as one of the most memorable moments in Fijian rugby history.
The players celebrated their momentous victory with great emotion, particularly standout player Eminoni Nasilasila, who had faced eligibility challenges but joined the celebrations with tears of joy reflecting the victory’s emotional significance. Tomasi Tawake set the tone early with the first try, while former French international Virimi Vakatawa showcased his prowess in the midfield with powerful ball-carrying throughout the match.
The match began with a tightly contested battle, but Malolo quickly gained the upper hand in the second half, scoring three tries within the first ten minutes. One standout play was a spectacular dummy by Esala Nalobo that caught Naitasiri’s defenders off guard. Naitasiri, however, fought back valiantly, as their hooker Seremaia Komailevuka scored a crucial try, briefly giving his team a 12-10 lead at halftime.
Despite Naitasiri’s tough defense, Malolo’s strategy and speed overwhelmed their opponents, particularly after Naitasiri’s Etonia Rokotuisawa and Maciu Vakacabeqoli received yellow cards. Malolo capitalized on the opportunity, with inside center Josevata Tamata and captain Jone Naqiri scoring consecutive tries. Douglas Daveta capped off the match by securing the title with a successful penalty kick in the closing moments.
Malolo’s triumph is more than just a championship title; it serves as an inspiration to the community and highlights the power of teamwork and dedication. The journey they undertook to reach this point emphasizes the potential for growth and success in Fijian rugby. With their victory, the future appears promising for Malolo Rugby Club, paving the way for further achievements and positive developments in the sport.