Makira, Malaita, Rennell and Bellona through for playoffs
By Taromane Martin
MALAITA Subi will meet Rennell in the semifinals of the 2017 Solrice Inter-Islands rugby challenge after defeating Isabel 23-3 in their final pool match over the weekend.
Subi over ran Isabel in the second half of that match after leading 5-3 in the first half.
Two second half tries from Simon Fa’alimae gave Malaita Subi breathing face before Tua Valenti sealed the win with a late try to secure their spot for the semifinals.
Rennell who are the competition defending champions meanwhile finished top of Pool A after defeating Western Raiders in their final pool game on Saturday.
Raiders who needed a win to progress to the semifinals came short of their aim after that loss to Rennell, leaving Makira finishing as runners ups for Pool A. .
Paul Nasiu, Johnston Tautai, Monty Tekobi, Johnathan Maitaki, Ben Puia and Tony Kaipua scored a try each for Rennell while Timo Sanga converted two tries with Eugene Tekobi converting one.
Meanwhile the semifinals for the 2017 Solrice Inter-Islands Rugby 15s challenge will take place on Wednesday at the Town Ground Rugby Stadium.
Semifinal matches will see Rennell taking on Malaita Subi at 1pm followed by Bellona and Makira at 3pm.
Grand finals and the loser’s finals is schedule for this coming Saturday and will also be played at the Town Ground rugby stadium.
