NAVOSA 33 – 13 OVALAU

Warwick Navosa will face Rewa in the Vodafone Vanua Challenge Trophy final next week. Both teams have qualified to play in the Fiji Rugby Union major union competition in 2018 relegating Northland and Macuata.

What happened: Navosa beat Ovalau 33-13 in the second semi-final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last night.

Navosa captain and fullback Naca Nagatalevu slotted the first three points when referee Lote Saudrau penalised Ovalau in the 13th minute.

Two minutes later flanker Jonetani Yalayala scored the first try for Navosa.

Ovalau scored their first points via penalty in the 23rd minute kicked by Josefata Bole, 8-3.

Navosa scored their second try by Naca Nagatalevu, converted by Nemani Muritovo 15-3.

Muritovo kicked another penalty before halftime.

Halftime: Navosa 18– 3 Ovalau

Navosa maintained their dominance scoring in the 45th minute through Tevita Bulai which was converted by Muritovo.

Ovalau bridged the gap through a penalty by Bole, 25-6.

In the 59th minute Nagatalevu scored his second try. Seven minutes later Ovalau came in firing with Joe Yalovigau scoring the only try for his hardworking side and converted by Bole 30 – 13.

In the 70th minute Navosa centre Mesake Seavula was red carded for a high tackle.

Muritovo kicked their last penalty in the last minute.

Big plays: Nagatalevu was on fire scoring 13 points from two tries and one penalty.

Star Turn:  Navosa forwards did the damage setting the platform the win.

Comments:

Navosa coach Peniasi Damu said, “It was a good and clean game and the boys did what was expected. We need to fix a few things before we face Rewa in the final.”

Ovalau coach Luke Vulo said, “Size was the telling factor, we picked up the momentum later but was not enough.”

In the Under-20 semifinal Ba edged Ovalau 3-0.

Ovalau: Minati Radovu, Tomasi Cagilaba, Etonia Soqila, Manoa Ledua, Ulaiasi Vosaicake (c ), Joe Yalovigau, Varasiko Vueti, Misiani Tui, Semi Gonelulu, Josefa Bole, Michael Stewart, Vesito Kubunameca, Viliame Drua, Isireli Qalo, Paula Gonerogo, reserves – Pita Joni, Peni Vuniceva, Eloni Naivalu, Jone Masi, Oveti Madanaivalu, Manasa Logavatu, Petero Vereakula, Joelu Dulaki.

Navosa: Tevita Dikedike (c ), Joave Saqaboto, Vilitati Gonewai, Limanivai Driu, Joji Nareki, Elia Leawere, Jonetani Yalayala, Tevita Bulai, Sakaraia Madigi, Nemani Muritovo, Kiniviliame Nauvasi, Maleli Rokoqica, Mesake Seavula, Venasio Kunabuli, Naca Nagatalevu, reserves – Suli Degei, Lorima Tabaiwalu, Semese Ului, Peni Tiko, Vilisoni Tuicolo, Savenaca Ravato, Apisai Tawalo, Peniona Nayaya.

Edited by Osea Bola

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