BLK Nadroga retained the Skipper Cup title after beating RC Manubhai Suva 17-12 in the final at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday.

Despite the win, Nadroga manager Apakuki Tuitavua said they need to improve before the Farebrother-Sullivan Series  where they face Suva in the first challenge this Saturday.

“First of all, I want to thank the Lord for the great win and I want to thank Suva for giving us a great game,” Tuitavua said.

“It was a very physical game but the boys played very well although there is still some areas we need to work on.

“We have another big game coming up next week and we need to work hard on improving before we face Suva.”

Meanwhile, Suva coach Akuila Nasi said they could have won but a lot of missed opportunities cost them the game.

“It is all about opportunities, it was there but we didn’t take it,” Nasi said.

“We thank Nadroga for a good game but we fell short and we will have to go back and try again next week in Lawaqa.

“There were about three missed scoring opportunities. It was there for the taking but we just didn’t have luck on our side.

“But I thank the boys for reaching the finals and bringing it home for the fans.”

Nadroga received $30,000 while Suva received $15,000.

What happened: Fans turned out to witness the final between two best teams in the Skipper Cup competition.

Nadroga found it hard penetrating the Suva defence.

Good run by Eremasi Radrodro in the 20th minute beating three Suva defenders but was brought down 10 metres outside the Suva try line.

Nadroga drew first blood in the 27th minute with a try from Joeli Lutumailagi, 5-0.

It was a tough battle for Suva as they tried to find a gap in the Nadroga defence.

In the 30th minute Suva punished Nadroga for their mistake as Serupepeli Vularika kicked a penalty, 5-3. A minute later Nadroga’s Apisalome Waqatabu kicked a penalty extending their lead, 8-3.

Half time: Suva 3-8 Nadroga

Suva got off to a good start in the second spell with a successful penalty from Meli Kurisaru to close the gap, 6-8. A minute later, Nadroga took advantage of Suva’s mistake resulting in a penalty kicked by Apete Daveta, 11-6.

It came down to a kicking game as Suva’s Kurisaru converted another penalty kick, 9-11.

Waqatabu converted another penalty kick extending their lead, 14-9.

Suva’s Kurisaru replied with another penalty kick in front of the post, 12-14.

Basic mistakes in the set pieces cost Suva as Nadroga capitalised as Waqatabu added another three points to seal the deal for Nadroga, 17-12.

Big Play: Both teams put on spectacular performance fit for the final.

Star turn: Waqatabu contributed 12 points for the champions win.

Edited by Osea Bola

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