Easts prop Vesi Rarawa (with ball) eyes the gap as team mate Leone Nakarawa (right) looks on in support.

It was an even affair in the East vs West rugby match on Wednesday afternoon on a wet and muddy Bidesi Park in Suva. Both teams took to the field with players out to prove themselves to national selectors for a spot in the Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup. 

At scrumhalf for Easts, recently disciplined Digicel Fiji 7s player, Nikola Matawalu was out to redeem himself as he went in for the first try, easily converted by Kolinio Vunaki.
The West response was immediate via lock forward Iliesa Ratuva and converted by Jonetani Ralulu. 

Sitiveni Kunaga, playing on the wing for Easts, outran the Wests defense down the sideline to score Easts second, which was once again duly converted by Vunaki. 

Another former Digicel Fiji 7s player, Lautoka’s Watisoni Votu, also stood out at the trials today scoring a try for Wests before half time, as the East led 14 – 12 at the break. 

Two further tries by Wests in the second half, via Apakuki Vuaviri and Kelepi Ketedromo, in the end wrapped up the game with Wests winning 22-17. 

In the other trial match the Under 20s defeated the Fiji Rugby Union’s Senior Academy XV 15-5. 

The Flying Fijians squad for the Pacific Nations Cup in June is expected to be named on Friday.