We had the game in the last two minutes but we lost it, were the words of Ram Sami Suva rugby manager Nemani Tuifagalele after their 25-24 loss to Jack’s Nadi, this afternoon.

“Congratulations to Nadi,” Tuifagalele said as Nadi retained the INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy at a jam-packed Prince Charles Park, Nadi.

Nadi trailed 24-22 after Suva’s Enele Malele kicked over a penalty in the 76^th minute but it was Tevita Maciu who had the last laugh after slotting in the winning penalty in the 79^th minute.

The aggressive Nadi loose forwards that disrupted Suva’s play right from the opening whistle.

Malele missed a penalty after Nadi flanker Ilisoni Galala was penalised for a late charge on Inia Tawalo.

But it was the challengers that took the lead in the 21^st minute when halfback Sevanaia Seviua took a quick tap and ran away to score the first try, which was converted by Malele for a 7-0 lead.

Nadi upped the tempo with rampaging runs from blindside flanker Jolame Luvevou, Galala and captain Sivaniolo Lumelume.

Nadi opened their account in the 26^th minute from a forward rush that saw Galala dived over to score with the conversion going wide.

Trailing 7-5, a mistake by Tawalo gave Nadi territorial advantage as they pressured the Suva tryline with captain Lumelume claiming the second try.

A kick deep inside the Suva half saw Nadi’s Jiutasa Nave pressuring the Suva backs and a loose ball saw Semesa Muaidonu scoop it up to score the third try, with Moci adding the extras for a 17-7 lead at halftime.

The hosts extended the lead in the 42^nd minute when centre Orisi Erenavula scored a try after the gap was created by winger Solomoni Tavai.

Suva came back with tries to Mosese Naiova and Peni Tuiteci with Malele adding the conversions.

Nadi team manager Epeli Qoro said players were told to keep lifting their game.

“We thank Suva for a great game,” he added.

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