Match Report – Jersey Flegg Round 19
Kaiviti Silktails vs Canberra Raiders
Date: 12th July 2025
Venue: Lawaqa Park
Final Score: Canberra Raiders 34 – 6 Kaiviti Silktails
First Half: Raiders Assert Early Dominance
The Canberra Raiders opened the match with impressive intent, quickly establishing their dominance by scoring two early tries. Patrick Broe crossed the line in the 8th minute, followed by Ethan Alaia’s effort in the 15th minute, giving Canberra an 8-0 lead. Both conversion attempts were unsuccessful, yet their early pressure set the tone for the match.
The Kaiviti Silktails responded with resilience, as young back-rower Sisa Vunivaqa broke through for a try in the 16th minute. Although Patrick Broe’s missed conversion kept the Silktails trailing at 8-4, they were showing promising signs of life. Melikiseteki Nacagininimasei then added a conversion after sustained Silktails pressure, bringing the margin closer to 8-6.
Second Quarter: Raiders Run Riot
However, the Raiders quickly regained control. They displayed clinical precision, with Sylas Simon, Jordan Uta, and another try from Patrick Broe each contributing to the scoreboard before halftime. Atini Tuialii successfully converted two of those tries, extending Canberra’s lead to 24-6 by the 34th minute. Despite Kaiviti’s efforts and multiple interchanges, the Raiders’ momentum was relentless and largely unyielding.
Second Half: Raiders Close It Out
The second half mirrored the first, with Canberra’s Atini Tuialii adding a try to the tally early on. Jalen Afamasaga continued the scoring spree for the Raiders before Patrick Broe closed out the match with another conversion, securing a decisive 34-6 victory over the Silktails.
Kaiviti Silktails – Player Unavailability (Round 19)
A series of unfortunate circumstances severely impacted the Kaiviti Silktails’ squad depth this round:
- Akuila Qoro – Transferred to Canterbury Bulldogs
- Gabriel Rawamila – Broken Arm
- Jerry Raimasima – Concussion Stand Down
- Eparama Kikau – Broken Collarbone
- Alipate Qoro – 1 Week Suspension
- Asalusi Naciqu – 4 Week Suspension
- Kali Bulai – Personal Leave
- Senivilati Vunibola – Personal Leave
- Marika Doughty – ACL Injury
- Jone Navunidreudreu – Unavailable
The extensive unavailability list necessitated major positional adjustments and compelled the coaching staff to call upon younger, less experienced players. The disruption in continuity and cohesion was evident throughout the match. While some individuals rose to the occasion, the absence of key players significantly affected the team’s performance against a highly organized Raiders outfit.
Disciplinary Note
Sisa Vunivaqa, recognized as a standout performer for the Silktails with their only try, received a significant blow to his availability following a dangerous throw in the second half. He was placed on report and subsequently sent to the sin bin. The club is now awaiting the Match Review Committee’s findings, which could impact Vunivaqa’s participation in upcoming matches.
Key Performers
- Patrick Broe (Canberra Raiders): 2 tries, 1 conversion
- Atini Tuialii (Canberra Raiders): 1 try, 3 conversions
- Sisa Vunivaqa (Kaiviti Silktails): 1 try, impactful presence
Coach’s Comments
“It was a tough match for us today. The Raiders have one of the strongest squads in the competition. We were holding our ground well in the first 25 minutes, but our ill discipline cost us when we lost a player to the sin bin and made a critical yardage error that the Raiders capitalized on. We’ve had to navigate the challenges of player unavailability due to suspensions and injuries to some of our key individuals. Despite these obstacles, I am incredibly proud of how our young players have stepped up in recent weeks. They are absorbing valuable lessons as part of their development. I must also highlight the outstanding leadership shown by our senior players throughout this period.”
Summary
The Kaiviti Silktails displayed moments of competitiveness but were ultimately overpowered by a structured and clinical Raiders unit. With a depleted squad and facing a relentless attack from Canberra, it was a challenging encounter. As key players potentially return in the coming weeks, the Silktails will aim to regroup and finish the remainder of the season on a positive note.
