The Usaia Koroivunilagi coached-Jack’s Nadi side recorded their second bonus point win at Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday. The Jetsetters fielded their second string team as they trounced Tavua 33-24 in the Skipper Cup clash.

What happened: Tavua shocked the hosts with a try in the third minute. Semi Ralulu charged down Isoa Donaldson’s clearing kick and allowed winger Semi Bale to score a try which was converted by first five eight Tevita Naroyasi. Seven minutes later Nadi prop Robert Delai replied with a try from a tap and run move with Kavekini Varo’s conversion leveling the scores at 7-7. In the 13th minute Donaldson made amends of his earlier blunder when he scored their second try as they led 12-7.

Then Tavua grabbed a 14-12 lead in the 22nd minute from a forward rush that saw flanker Gabrieli Ratu crashing over to score with Naroyasi converting. But then it was all Nadi with Varo converting a penalty to regain the lead 15-14 and just before halftime Nadi hooker Viliame Tui scored another try while Varo kicked over a penalty

Half-time: Nadi 23–14 Tavua.

Naroyasi tried to pull Tavua back into the game with a penalty (23-17). But Donaldson extended Nadi’s lead to 26-17 before he was yellow carded in the 49thminute.

Naroyasi again replied with a try and managed to convert it to narrow the deficit to 26-24. But in the 77th minute inside back Jonacani Erenavanua came off the bench to score under the post and was converted by Aseri Vatuinaruku.

Star turn: Nadi prop Delai was always in the thick of things.

Comments

Nadi team manager Jeff Tamata praised the efforts of his new players.

“It was a tough battle but the good thing is that we got the bonus point. The new players from the extended team did stand out but there are a few things that need to be fixed.”

Tavua coach Akariva Tabutaci said: “The players played their guts out. It was close but the referee’s call had ruined our chances. We came prepared but we’ve learned our lessons and will surely hit back.” Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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