NNN Tubarua Youth has qualified for the Youth Division quarterfinals of the 2023 McDonald’s Coral Coast 7s after beating First Light Taveuni 19-5 in their last Pool C match at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka this morning.
Both teams put in a heavy contest and it was First Light Taveuni that made an impressive start through Salesitino Ranama, who dived in the corner for the opening try in the fourth minute.
However, lanky Jone Naivalu failed to convert, leaving the side with 5 points.
Tubarua Youth responded quickly with a try from Alipate Sakilaki who burst through the Taveuni defence and Kelemedi Rorotogo converted for a 7-5 lead at half time.
Taveuni tried to make an early comeback in the second spell but handling errors and poor passing prevented them from scoring.
Tabarua Youth maintained the pressure and a good offload from Kobua Lagilolo set up Enosi Tukana for their second try but this time Rorotogo failed to convert.
Two minutes later, Sitiveni Etuate ran from the midfield untouched and his final try sealed the win while Rorotogo slotted the final conversion.
