Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women suffered a 34-21 loss to the Melbourne Rebels in their final Super W regular season match at the AAMI Park tonight.
Despite a strong start and a determined comeback late in the game, the Drua could not overcome the disciplined play of the Rebels, compounded by a red card to Merewai Cumu in the 65th minute.
The match began promisingly for the Drua, with Atelaite Ralivanawa scoring an early try in the 2nd minute following a turnover at the Rebels’ try line.
Her impressive solo effort, coupled with a successful conversion, gave the Drua an early lead of 7-0. However, the Rebels quickly responded with a penalty kick by Cassie Siataga, narrowing the score to 7-3 by the 7th minute.
Momentum shifted in the 17th minute when Chanelle Kohika-Skipper crossed the try line for the Rebels, and with another precise kick from Siataga, the Rebels took the lead at 10-7.
The Drua regained the lead briefly in the 36th minute with a try from Vika Matarugu, making it 14-10 after Salanieta Kinita’s conversion.
The lead was short-lived, however, as Siataga closed the gap with another penalty, bringing the score to a tight 14-13 by halftime.
The Rebels started the second half strong with Ashley Marsters scoring in the 44th minute and Siataga converting to extend their lead to 20-14.
Further extending their lead, Jiowana Sauto scored for the Rebels in the 53rd minute, with Siataga’s conversion making it 27-14.
The Drua’s situation worsened when Merewai Cumu received a red card, reducing the team to 14 players.
Despite being a player down, the Drua showed resilience. Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa scored in the 70th minute and with a successful conversion brought the score to a hopeful 21-27.
However, the Rebels sealed their victory with another try by Ashley Marsters in the 78th minute, concluding the match at 34-21.
The Moses Rauluni coached side has booked a home semifinal spot and will face the Western Force next week.
