The experience in the Nadroga team was the telling factor as they came from behind to defeat Tailevu 23-18 during the Skipper Cup Premiership at the Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, yesterday.

What Happened:

In the 8th minute, Tailevu was penalised and fullback Apisalome Waqatabu did not waste any time to slot a penalty from the halfway mark. Two minutes later the visitors managed to score after centre Paula Nayacakalou charged down a clearance by Waqatabu with first five-eight Seru Vaniqi slotting the conversion to lead 7-3.

In the 14th minute Nadroga prop Timoci Sauvoli was sin-binned for high tackle. The next minute flanker Timoci Vunimoko managed to score the visitors second try to lead 12-3. Ten minutes later the Stallions were penalised and Vaniqi increased their lead with another penalty 15-3.

In the 32nd minute Tailevu flanker Vetaia Tikomailepanoni was sin binned for a dangerous tackle on Waqatabu who kicked the penalty 15-6. With four minutes to halftime, half-back Josese Kurukavu scored the host’s first try under the posts.

Halftime: Nadroga 11-15 Tailevu.

Nadroga came back in the second spell and set the pace.

In the 44th minute Nadroga centre Sakiusa Gavidi was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle.

Four minutes later Vaniqi increased Tailevu’s points to 18-11.

Five minutes later Nadroga first-five-eight Peni Kadralevu ran 30 meters to score another try as they closed the gap 18-16.

In the 57th minute robust winger Ben Kalonivale burst his way through the tough Tailevu defence to score and Waqatabu converted the try 23-18.

Five minutes later Tailevu suffered a setback when Waisea Marika Rasuaki was sin-binned for high tackle on Nadroga player.

Josaia Cokaibusa was also sin-binned.

Comments:

Nadroga manager Pita Kedralevu said: “There were a lot of positives seen in the match. A lot of young blokes who have returned to the side were given game time. We expected it to be tough as Tailevu does not want to return to the Vanua competition.”

Tailevu manager Saimoni Bai: “Our aim was to surprise Nadroga. The boys were slack and they did not follow the game structure and that left us down. We had wrong options and weak defence. I do thank the boys as these are home grown.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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