The Namosi rugby team pipped Jack’s Nadi 16-15 in their Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship clash at Thomson Park, Navua, today.

This was Nadi’s first loss in the competition.
What happened: Namosi were unlucky in the fourth minute when they lost  the ball forward right on the try line. Nadi’s second five eighth, Eseroma Nabalawa was sent to the blood bin and was replaced by Eseroma Mociu in the 5th minute.

The Nadi forwards held their own in the scrums but gave away penalties.

In the 22nd minute Namosi first five eighth Kalisito Sauni kicked over a penalty for a 3-0 lead. Nadi equalised, six minutes later with another penalty. Sauni slotted in another penalty in the 39th minute.

Halftime: Namosi 6-3 Nadi

Nadi flanker Ilisoni Galala was sin-binned for a high tackle and Namosi capitalised on their try scoring opportunity. They crossed over for their first try and extended their lead, 13-3 with Sauni converting.

Nadi replied with a try to captain, Sivaniolo Lumelume, from a scrum to narrow the gap, 13-8.

In the 59th minute, Sauni successfully kicked over another penalty for Namosi to extend their lead 16-8.

Namosi lose head prop, Alivereti Rabukawaqa was sin binned while Nadi opted for a lineout. The Nadi forwards camped close to the Namosi tryline, a forward drive saw flanker Jolame Luvevou crashed over to score their second try but it was not enough.

Comment: Nadi manager, Epeli Qoro said: “It was a close one, silly mistakes cost us the game.”

SKIPPER RESULTS

UNDER-19: Suva 26-13 Northland, Namosi 12-16 Nadi, Rewa 17-22 Nadroga, Tailevu 27-15 Naitasiri

DEVELOPMENT: Suva 31-12 Northland, Rewa 8-25 Nadroga, Tailevu 26-24 Naitasiri, Namosi 23-21 Nadi

SENIOR MEN’S: Suva 33-7 Northland, Namosi 16-15 Nadi, Rewa 28-28 Nadroga, Tailevu 19-35 Naitasiri