A well-disciplined Savenaca Aria coached- Jacks Nadi recorded their first victory in the Skipper Cup competition at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.

The side scored four tries in the 31-27 win over Northland.

The visitors only had themselves to  blame for ill-discipline in the second spell as three players were sin-binned.

What happened: Nadi’s first five eighth Sela Toga drew first blood through a drop goal in the 3rd minute.

Two minutes later winger Jese Tubunaruarua scored in the corner for Northland to take the lead 3-5

Fullback Nemani Driu scored in the corner to regain the lead 8-5. The visitors were penalised seven minutes later and Toga increased their lead 11-5.

In the 24th minute Josua Yavala kicked a penalty to close the gap 11-8.

Toga pulled one back four minutes later. Isireli Ledua scored for Northland,14-13.

But winger Orisi Erenavula scored under the post and Toga slotted the needed two-pointer to send the fans into frenzy.

Halftime: Nadi 21–13 Northland

Northland players lost their cool in the second spell resulting in flanker Tomasi Naiduki yellow carded by referee Johnson Lee in the 52nd minute.

Eight minutes later lock Saiasi Tuilepa and prop Sireli Ledua were also sent off.

In the 63rd minute winger Eparama Naivalu scored to extend Nadi’s lead.

Seven minutes later Northland’s Vilitati Ceguvia came from the bench to score which was converted by Yavala.

Six minutes later Naivalu scored his second try.

Ledua showed his best overpowering a Nadi defence to score under the post and was converted by Yavala.

Star turn: Nadi’s Luke Navuwai, Sela Toga and Nemani Driu were on fire.

Big play: Sireli Ledua and Sailasa Bolatagici general play impress for Northland.

Comments

Nadi captain Samu Saqiwa: “It was a good match but we still have areas to work on. The boys played their hearts out. It is good to see there was no card flashed against us and we need to maintain that. We dedicate this win to all the mothers in Nadi.”

Northland coach Timoci Tinaviti said: “There were a lot of mistakes and ill-discipline cost us the game. We had a good forward pack but when three players were out at one stage, it affected our performance.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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