The Fiji Bulikula scored their first win at the Rugby League World Cup, following their 40-4 win over Papua New Guinea Orchids in Port Moresby on Saturday afternoon.
Making their debut in the world meet at the event last weekend, the win was historic for the side.
It also kept their hopes alive of securing a semi-final spot in the women’s competition.
Having lost 12-18 to New Zealand in the first round, the Fijians turned the pressure on from the opening minute of the clash and led 30-0 at halftime.
They out-scored the hosts at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby five tries to one in the first half and wrapped up the game with two more in the second half.
By the end of the 70-minute clash, they had out-scored, out-played and out-thought the Orchids, who last weekend opened their campaign with a big win over France.
Fiji speedster Tahlia Marshall recorded a hat-trick of tries in the match.
Winning head coach Jone Wesele, a former Fiji Bati international himself, said it was a great display by the Bulikula.
He said their defence stood out and their consistency on attack worked well for them in the end.
“It was a great game, am happy with what they did out there,” he told RNZ Pacific.
“They improved and have set themselves with a chance for the semifinals.
“We will celebrate, go back to the board on Monday and prepare for our last game.
“One day and one game at a time is our focus.”
Fiji’s win gives them hope of finishing in the top two in Pool B, with France being their third and final pool opponent next weekend.
PNG will face New Zealand.
Sienna Lang opened the scoring for the Bulikula in the fourth minute, with captain Serena Naitokatoka converting for a 6-0 lead.
But the Orchids struck back with Ua Ravu’s try two minutes later.
However, Fiji scored again through Lusiana Yaranamua, Taina Naividi, Losana Lutu and Marshall in the first spell of 35 minutes.
Yaranamua and Naitokatoka shared the goal kicking.
Orchids captain Elsie Albert worked hard, trying to get her women warriors to break the stubborn Fijian defence and was ably assisted by Ravu, Jafinda Sap, Vanesa Nakas, Shellie Long and Emily Veivers.
But the Fijians stood their ground and countered with their own moves, opening up and running the ball almost at will.
Their forward pack of Latisha Smythe, Naitokatoka, Leilani Ahsam, Elizabeth Naleba, Nanise Vakacavu and Talei Holmes created havoc for the Orchids, running the ball straight and crashing through for territorial gain.
Replacements Marshall, Teaghan Hartigan and the powerful running Lorren Ieli added firepower when they took the field.
Marshall got two tries within four minutes when the second spell resumed, finishing off Fiji’s moves in the right corner.
While PNG tried to string moves together in the second spell, the Bulikula’s defence stood and denied the home team any real reward.
Look back at all the action on our live blog.
