Macuata shocks Nadi in Upset win
“We had a lot of missed opportunities and Macuata capitalised on our errors,” he said.
Monday 04 March 2024 | 03:00
The Macuata senior men’s side following their win against Nadi during their Skipper Cup Round Two match at Subrail Park, Labasa on March 2, 2024. Photo: Macuata Rugby Union
Macuata Rugby Union vice-president, Saimone Cabealawa, said it felt good to register their first win of the season after the Northerners sneaked past Nadi 17-13 in their Skipper Cup encounter at Subrail Park on Saturday.
“The forwards led by example by improving on their line-outs, scrum and ability to clear rucks,’ Cabealawa said.
“We knew a win was important to boost our team spirit and morale, because the loss was still in our heads,” he said.
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“We were thrashed by Nadi last season, so we wanted to improve this year, especially at home.”
Cabealawa indicated the platform is laid, and players must build on from this performance.
“We want to be competitive in the Skipper Cup this season and Lautoka away next week will present another challenge,” the humble official said.
Macuata was still reeling from their round one loss against Nadroga 36-14 two weeks ago.
The Macuata senior men’s side following their win against Nadi during their Skipper Cup Round Two match at Subrail Park, Labasa on March 2, 2024. Photo: Macuata Rugby Union
Despite Nadi starting well in the second half, Macuata’s first-five eight, Joni Koroilagilagi, used his kicks to clear danger and create territory to gain opportunities.
Matching the game intensity and allowing a try scored against them, allowed Macuata to win.
Nadi captain, Meli Rokoua, said they found it difficult to settle into their game plan leading to their loss.
“We had a lot of missed opportunities and Macuata capitalised on our errors,” he said.
The openside flanker said they expected Macuata to be hard to defeat despite the minnows tag.
“Any team playing at home wants to win for their fans, and we failed to score enough to win,” Rokoua said.
Nadi tried to take the lead and seal the game in the dying stages of the game, but, Macuata’s determination to defend, worked well.
In the women’s clash, Macuata beat Cakaudrove 41- 27 in Round 2 of the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup, while the Macuata under-20 men’s side narrowly lost to Nadi 18-15.
Story by: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
