Highlanders Win Opener

The Esala Nauga coached-Tu­va Highlanders beat Sigato­ka Bulls 24-15 in the Nadroga Rugby Union’s Super 8 franchise competition at Lawaqa Park, Siga­toka yesterday.

The win has made Highlanders top favourites of winning the inau­gural competition.

Highlanders fielded Fiji Airways Flying Fijians hooker Ratunaisa Navuma, winger Aisea Natoga, Ti­moci Sauvoli, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Josefa Nahalo, Sanaila Nahuto, Ti­moci Sovilea and Tuiba Batiratu.

The Bulls had the services of Nadroga skipper Rupeni Nahiga, Sakiusa Gavidi, Setefano Samoca, Apete Salawaqavuka, Luke Salaba, and Samisoni Navatu.

Also impressive is the Joeli Rat­ulevu captained- Wai Stormers who defeated Noinabua Hurri­canes 18-6.

In other matches, Nokonoko-Wa­icoba Crusaders edged out Conua Chiefs 20-17 in a close encounter.

The Kalivati Volavola skippered- Cuvu Blues walloped Malomalo Sharks 27–11. The Blues had the services of Meli Neori, Tevita Ta­vuto and Meli Qaniuci.

NRU president Jiko Matawalu said, “It was a good hit out for the teams and the purpose of intro­ducing the competition served its purpose as the players lifted their game.”

“The teams look professional with their outfit supplied by BLK. We would thank our sponsors Sigatoka Electric, Flying Fin, BLK and the Ministry of Health. Special thanks to Fiji Rugby Union for their assis­tance in supplying the elite refer­ees to control the games.”

There are two pools of four teams, at the end of round three, the con­ference winners will play off in the semi-finals with the final expected to played in round five.

RESULTS

Round 1 (Seniors)- Sigatoka Bulls 15–24 Tuva Highlanders, Noko­noko-Waicoba Crusaders 20–17 Conua Chiefs, Cuvu Blues 27–11 Malomalo Chiefs, Noinabua Hur­ricanes 6–18 Wai Stormers.

(Under 20)- Sigatoka Bulls 3–18 Tuva Highlanders, Nokonoko-Wa­icoba Crusaders 0–3 Conua Chiefs, Cuvu Blues 3-15 Malomalo Chiefs, Noinabua Hurricanes 5–20 Wai Stormers.

MARCH 10 FIXTURES

10am Chiefs v Highlanders, 11.30am Crusaders v Bulls, 1pm Hurricanes v Sharks, 2.30pm Stormers v Blues

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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