Highlanders On Track
The Naitasiri rugby side bounced back in their Skipper Cup Premiership campaign when they walloped Warwick Navosa 21-7 at the Naluwai grounds yesterday.
What happened: It was a slow start as both teams tried to adapt to the wet ground conditions. The slippery ground forced many errors to the frustration of the players and spectators. The hosts settled first and broke through the Navosa defence with winger Ron Tawake scoring the first try which was converted by Jeke Suguturaga for a 7-0 lead.
There were numerous errors committed by both teams as frustration turned the match into a scrappy affair.
Halftime: Naitasiri 7-0 Navosa
Naitasiri came into the second half firing as they strengthened their attacking play with the forwards being aggressive in their approach. They camped in the Navosa territory and from a forward rush scored the second try to Immanuel Naciva with Suguturaga adding the extras.
Naitasiri never looked back as they began piling the pressure on the Navosa defence and got a penalty try.
The Navosa side regrouped and fought back to score a consolation try to Jonetani Yalayala which was converted by Nemani Muritovo.
Star turn: The big Naitasiri forward pack played a big role in the win as they took control in the second half.
Their rampaging runs resulted in Naitasiri ‘s second try and later followed by a penalty try.
Big play: Although 21-0 down Navosa kept on playing to the final whistle. Their never-say-die attitude saw them score a try.
Comments: Naitasiri head coach Koli Sewabu said: “It’s about exposing young players, we were tough in our forwards, I’m impressed with our tight heads.
“Despite the ground condition a win is a win as we hunt for a semifinal spot.”
Navosa coach Peniasi Damu said: “The young players did well, we have a lot of new players and they keep on improving their performance.”
Try scorers: Naitasiri 21- (Tries: Ron Tawake, Immanuel Naciva, Penalty try; Conversion: Suguturgaga (2) Navosa 7- (Try: Jonetani Yalayala, Conversion: Nemani Muritovo
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
