The Namosi team gave their wives and mothers an early Mother’s Day present after defeating Malolo 25-14 in round two of the 2017 Skipper Cup competition at Thomson Park, Navua yesterday.

What happened: Despite the muddy and wet conditions, fans still showed up in numbers to witness a good game.

It was an uneventful first half as both teams tested their defence. Namosi got the first points on the board with a penalty from Ilai Tinaim, 3-0.

Jiuta Lutumailagi added nine points from his boot to give the visitors the edge, 9-3. Before halftime, Kelevi Naimasi came through for Namosi scoring the first try of the match to close the gap, 8-9.

Malolo put up a good defence denying Namosi two tries and held their ground and made Namosi work hard for their tries.

Malolo’s Epeli Turukawa found the tryline from a pick and drive and pushed the visitors lead further in front, 14-8. Namosi again closed the gap with a try from Atunaisa Maiono as Nemani Raiwailui gave the host the one point lead, 15-14. Malolo did their best to shut Namosi’s attack down but failed as Aporosa Rauto scored the remaining two tries to give Namosi a comfortable win, 25-14.

Big play: Malolo’s defence held strong denying Namosi at least two tries which could have ended up in a larger scoreline.

Star turn: Namosi’s Aporosa Rauto came through for the home side with his brilliant two tries.

Comments

Namosi coach Maxwell Hughes:

“It was a good game, I am proud of the boys and the way they played. Malolo really gave us a good game by showing how well they could defend. But I think this game also showed us on the areas that we still need to improve on but the boys did well to stick to the game plan. We want to dedicate this game to all the mothers and wives.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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