The Panthers staged a late comeback to edge the Kaiviti Silktails 24-22 in a thrilling contest that wasn’t decided until the closing stages.
First Half
The Silktails came out firing and struck first through Gabriel Rawamila in the 10th minute. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, the home side led 4-0.
Just over a minute later, Weni Turagaitoga crossed to extend the lead, before converting his own try to give the Silktails a handy 6-0 advantage.
The Panthers hit back midway through the half. After several attacking opportunities and line breaks, Darcy Feltham crossed in the 19th minute, with Kye Raven adding the extras to level the scores at 6-6.
The Silktails regained control shortly before halftime when Atunaisa Koba finished off a strong attacking movement in the 27th minute. The conversion was missed, but the Silktails took a 10-6 lead into the break.
Second Half
The Panthers opened the scoring after halftime through a penalty goal from Kye Raven, narrowing the margin to 10-8 before another penalty goal shortly afterwards levelled the contest at 12-12.
Momentum swung back to the Silktails when Tevita Wanisi crossed in the 54th minute. Weni Turagaitoga converted to extend the lead to 18-12.
The Panthers refused to go away. Jenson Tuaoi produced a crucial line break and try in the 58th minute, before Haami Loza converted to tie the scores at 18-18.
The visitors then grabbed their first lead of the afternoon in the 67th minute when Zeik Selwood scored after sustained pressure. Loza’s conversion pushed the Panthers ahead 24-18.
The Silktails mounted one final charge and were rewarded when Tevita Wanisi crossed for his second try in the 73rd minute. However, the conversion attempt from Weni Turagaitoga drifted wide, leaving the Panthers narrowly in front at 24-22.
Despite late pressure from the Silktails, the Panthers held firm through the final minutes to secure a hard-fought two-point victory.
Try Scorers
Kaviti Silktails
- Gabriel Rawamila
- Weni Turagaitoga
- Atunaisa Koba
- Tevita Wanisi (2)
Panthers
- Darcy Feltham
- Jenson Tuaoi
- Zeik Selwood
Goals
Kaviti Silktails
- Weni Turagaitoga 2/4 conversions
Panthers
- Kye Raven 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
- Haami Loza 2 conversions
Key Moments
- Silktails raced to an early 6-0 lead.
- Panthers levelled at 6-6 before halftime.
- Silktails led 10-6 at the break.
- Panthers drew level at 12-12 through two penalty goals.
- Silktails stretched ahead to 18-12 through Tevita Wanisi’s first try.
- Panthers responded with back-to-back converted tries to lead 24-18.
- Wanisi’s second try cut the margin to two points, but the missed conversion proved decisive.
Player of the Match
Tevita Wanisi (Silktails) – scored two crucial second-half tries and kept the Silktails in the contest until the final whistle.
The match featured plenty of attacking football, with both sides trading momentum throughout. Ultimately, the Panthers’ ability to convert their chances and capitalise on penalties proved the difference in a gripping 24-22 victory.
Comment from Coach Duve
Satisfied with the boys’ overall performance, Coach Duve told them – “Vinaka boys for the tremendous effort today! We came very close to winning the 2nd best team in the comp today. That’s done and our next job now is prepare for Knights and Sharks on the road.”
