The much-awaited Vodafone Premier League clash between Rewa and Ba ended in a scoreless draw at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.

It was scrappy affair as a total of five yellow cards were dished out- Rewa’s Lorima Dau, Usaia Tadau, Amani Makoe and Mitieli Namuka while for Ba it was Meli Codro.

What happened?

Rewa playing in front of their fans dominated the opening minutes of the game as they pressured the Ba defence with Simione Maikali’s attempt going wide. Discipline proved to be a concern for the hosts as Dau, Tadau, Makoe were issued yellow cards for dangerous tackles. Ba took time to settle down and caused a few anxious moments on the Rewa defence. Ba’s Avinesh Swamy had the best chance to put Ba ahead just before halftime when his free-kick just outside the box failed to curled in.

At the start of the second half Ba’s Manasa Nawakula attempt almost went in as veteran Rewa goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau had to work over time. The wet ground conditions had players  slipping as they found it hard to control the ball.

Big play

Both teams had equal chances to score but neither proved successful.

Star turn

The Ba goalkeeper Josaia Ratu and his Rewa ounterpart Simione Tamanisau put their bodies on the line to make good saves.

Comments

Rewa coach Marika Rodu: “It was a tough game for both teams considering we both knew how important this game was and how much the points meant. Great defence and attack displayed by both teams. I think in regards to the yellow cards, it was raining so it did not help as players were slipping and sliding all over the field, but we will have a talk with them on the importance of discipline.”

Ba manager Arvin Singh: “Very tough game and the weather did not help us as well but hats off to Rewa for giving us a good game. We had our chances at goal, so many chances in fact but our finishing was the big issue and something we need to work on.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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