The South Sydney Rabbitohs overcame the Kaiviti Silktails 20-14 in their Jersey Flegg Cup clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka today.
The Silktails have entered the Jersey Flegg Cup for the first time in 2024, having played in the Ron Massey Cup between 2020 and 2023, and the Wes Naiqama coached side was looking for a home victory after losing its opening match to the Wests Tigers 38-20 last weekend in Sydney.
The wet and slippery conditions in Lautoka affected both teams but the visitors were first to go up via a converted try in the 31st minute.
Seru Kalounivalu touched down for the Silktails a couple of minutes later to tie up the scores but continuous pressure from the Souths saw them score through Carson Kaho and take a 12-6 lead at the break.
The hosts made a brilliant start to the second spell and scored through Bill Taria but the conversion attempt failed.
Both sides continued to pressure each other and scored a try each in the remainder of the second spell as the Souths took a 18-14 lead.
The Rabbitohs sealed the deal with a late penalty goal, leaving the spirited Fijian opponents frustrated.
The Silktails will meet the Dragons in Round 3 of the competition at the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, Sydney next Saturday.
