Namosi: 20 (Mosese Voka 1 try, Nemani Raiwalui 1 con, 1 pen, Meli Rusa 1 try, Joeli Tuberi 1 try)

Suva: 18 (Inia Tawalo 1 try, Jitoko Usumaki 1 try, Alasio Naduva 1 try, Mosese Tikoduadua 1 pen)

Qaqa Namosi fought from the brink of defeat to beat Suva 20-18 in the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on Friday night.

Namosi claimed the country’s prestigious rugby title and walked away with $5000.

Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua told SUNsports that they’re proud of the player’s performance.

“We’ll wait next week after the final challenge then the province is planning to host a big feast,” he said.

Namosi will defend the title against the winner HFC Bank Bainimarama Shield which will be decided today between Rewa and Navosa at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

What happened: Suva started strongly with fullback Inia Tawalo scoring their first try to lead 5-0.

Suva continued the momentum scoring their second try through No.8 Jitoko Usumaki and minutes later ran in their third try through speedy winger Alusio Naduva, for a 15-0 lead.

Namosi regrouped and fought their way back with a try to Vodafone Flying Fijians flanker Mosese Voka with first five-eighth Nemani Raiwalui kicking the conversion.

Halftime: Suva 15-7 Namosi

Namosi were fired-up in the second half as they put Suva under extreme pressure and scored their second try through winger Meli Rusa.

With the able leadership of No.8 Asaeli Boko, they continued on the momentum with Raiwalui kicking a penalty to tie the score 15-15.

But Suva hit the front again when first five eight Mosese Tikoduadua slotted in a penalty. Sensing an upset win Namosi fought back as they took play into the Suva half with substitute Joeli Tuberi scoring the winning try in the dying stages of the game.

Big Play: Namosi defence stood tall as they denied Suva any chance of scoring during the crucial stages of the match.

Star Turn:  Voka’s try late in the first half fired-up the Namosi side.

Comments: Suva captain John Stewart said, “Namosi gave us a good game and we thank them for that. I also want to thank the fans for coming out in numbers.”

Namosi captain Asaeli Boko said, “We want to thank the Lord for this win, and also the vanua of Namosi for their support.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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