The Sakiusa Nadruku captained- Namosi team gave their all to beat Nadroga 15-8 and hoist the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports Nadruku said they had to play to the final whistle.

“I told the boys to play 80 minutes of rugby in order to beat Nadroga,” he said.

“We had to win everything. That includes taking the ball to the advantage line or contest them in the lineouts. We had to fight and be strong and that was what we did today.”

What happened: Nadroga was reduced to 14-men in the 15th minute when winger Joeli Lutumailagi was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle. Namosi first five-eighth Joseva Vunisa landed the penalty to lead 3-0.

In the 21st minute later Namosi prop Aseri Robarobalevu powered through the Nadroga defence for the team’s first try with the conversion from Esala Raobo.

In the 31st minute, Namosi was penalised in the ruck and first five-eight Peceli Nacebe converted to narrow the deficit.

Half time: Namosi 10-3 Nadroga.

Namosi came out firing in the second half. In the 47th minute props, Robarobalevu of Namosi and Nadroga’s Jone Koroiduadua were sent to the sin bin for unprofessional play.

In the 61st minute, Namosi winger Vinaiya Habosi from a set-piece managed to sprint away for their second try to extend their lead to 15-3.

But in the 66th-minute veteran Nadroga skipper Rupeni Nasiga scored a consolation try with Nacebe’s conversion going wide.

Comments: Nadroga captain, Rupeni Nasiga said: “Congratulations to them as they played their hearts out.

“We lacked concentration and in the first half we were too casual and made a lot of mistakes.”

Namosi’s 15-8 victory over Nadroga yesterday now puts the newly crowned Farebrother Sullivan Trophy holders up against Naitasiri this Saturday. It will be another Skipper Cup Premiership / Farebrother Sullivan Trophy double header. The team celebrated with the trophy at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on August 1, 2020. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Line-up

Nadroga: 1. Timoci Sauvoli, 2. Ratunaisa Navuma, 3. Jone Koroiduadua, 4. Sailosi Dawai, 5. Rupeni Nasiga, 6. Jone Navori, 7. Rusiate Nasove, 8. Eremasi Radrodro, 9. Sakiusa Gavidi, 10. Peceli Nacebe, 11. Napolioni Nalaga, 12. Sakiusa Nakalevu, 13. Sevuloni Mocenacagi, 14. Jiuta Lutumailagi, 15. Lisala Hugavou.

Namosi: 1.  Aseri Robanakadavu, 2.  Jone Naqiri, 3. Alivereti Rabukawaqa, 4. Semi Baivi, 5. Eparama Luvata, 6. Apakuki Vuaviri, 7.  Akapusi Roqica, 8. Sakiusa Nadruku, 9. Peni Matawalu, 10.  Josefa Vunisa, 11. Vinaiya Habosi, 12.  Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13.   Onisi Ratave, 14. Lepani Raiyala, 15. Esala Raobo.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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