Kaiviti Silktails 18 – 12 Sydney Roosters
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
Conditions: Fine, Good Ground Conditions
Competition: Jersey Flegg Cup – Round 14
Match Summary
In a Memorial Match honoring both clubs’ managers (Jacquie Shannon: Kaiviti Silktails / Sam ‘SAMBO’ Bazounis: Roosters)the Kaiviti Silktails protected their home turf with a gritty, spirited performance, defeating a determined Sydney Roosters outfit 18-12 in front of a passionate home crowd at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Entering Round 14 looking to bounce back, the Silktails’ under-21 development system proved their resilience in a physical, defensive showcase. Despite the Roosters asking plenty of questions late in the second half—featuring strong performances from the likes of Hornby Panthers junior Jackson Stewart in the centres—the Fijian side’s desperation on their own goal line ultimately proved to be the difference.
The victory marks a crucial building block for Head Coach Timoci Duve’s young squad as they continue to close the gap against elite NSWRL development systems and establish Churchill Park as a formidable venue for visiting clubs.
Key Moments
Early Physicality: Both sides traded heavy blows in the opening 20 minutes. Brutal collision work from the Silktails’ starting front row, anchored by Alipate Qoro setting the platform at bookend alongside Gabriel Rawamila, established an uncompromising defensive tone.
Silktails Direct Attack: Behind sharp service from hooker Jone Leweniqila and the creative ball-playing of halves duo Ratu Kikau and Bale Vetaukula, the home side cracked open the Roosters’ edge defense to post critical points.
Roosters Fight Back: Led by halves combination Keone Anitelea-Tsioussis and Carter Mareko, alongside a heavy workload from lock Eddy Cayless, the visitors managed to keep themselves within striking distance, responding with tries of their own to set up a grandstand finish.
Fijian Wall Holds Firm: Up 18-12 in the dying stages of the match, the Silktails withstood a frantic, late attacking aerial raid from the Roosters. Safe handling under pressure from fullback Iowani Mainalovo and clinical corner defense from wingers Weni Turagaitoga and Tevita Wanisi shut down the Tricolours’ final comeback surge to seal the win.
Coach’s Corner:
“Our boys showed real character to win a close one today. We’ve talked a lot about execution and discipline in key moments over the last month, and defending our line the way we did against a quality Roosters system shows we are moving in the right direction.” – Silktails Coaching Staff.
