Northland edge Tailevu in the clash of the forward pack at Ratu Cakobau Park (ground 2), Nausori yesterday.

Northland’s stern defence was instrumental in the 16-11 win in round two of Skipper Provincial Cup.

Coach Isake Katonibau made a timely substitution when he brought in former Fijian Drua and Nadroga’s No.8 Jone Navori in the last quarter.

Navori shifted the Northland forward play into overdrive resulting in him scoring a try following a close combat.

What happened: It was a close battle and one outstanding factor which must be addressed by Katonibau and his Tailevu counterpart Seremaia Bai was the number of cards issued in the first half.

At one stage two Tailevu players were on the sin-bin tent and one for Northland.

But matters deteriorated further for Tailevu when Serupepeli Waqalevu was red carded for dangerous tackle forcing the hosts to play with 14 men in the second half.

After a closely contested first half, Northland led at 6-0 through two penalties by halfback Jovilisi Tarara.

Halftime: Tailevu 6-0 Northland

Northland was a more unified force with veteran Manueli Laqai, Joeli Veitayaki and Olympian Apisai Domolailai leading the charge upfront while 7s pivot Emosi Mulevoro spearheaded the back division.

Tailevu drew first blood in the second half with a try to second five-eighth Paula Nayacakalou following a counter move.

The conversion missed but fullback Maika Baleinaloto kicked a penalty for the 8-6 lead.

He again slotted his second penalty for Tailevu to extend the lead 11-6.

The Northland forwards worked in unison resulting in a try to Navori which was converted by Tarara for the 13-11 lead.

Narara had the last laugh kicking a penalty for the 16-11 final scoreline.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua 

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj