New Skipper Champs For 2022

Jack’s Nadi hooker Maikeli Sivo scored the try that end­ed Ram Sami Suva’s three-year reign on the Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship title.

Trailing 19-13 close to fulltime, the Nadi forwards drove through with Sivo scoring the try. It was converted by fullback Kitione Ta­liga for a 20-19 win and a spot in next Saturday’s grand final.

Nadi assistant coach Cohen Poli­tini said they were expecting a tough encounter.

“Suva gave us a good run in the first half,” he said.

“We are thankful that we man­aged to settle into our game plan and were able to capitalise on it and win. We managed to contain Suva.”

The visitors led for most part of the match as halfback Leone Nawai showed his class as he ex­ploited loopholes in the Nadi de­fence.

The Fijian Drua halfback com­bined well with first five-eight Meli Kurisaru. Suva led 12-3 at halftime with tries to Inia Tawalo and Saki­usa Gavidi.

Nadi came back with tries to winger Jope Naseyara and Jiutasa Nave while Taliga added the extras from his boots.

Nadi last played in the provincial union grandfinal was in 2008 when they won the then Sanyo Cup.

They’ll face the winner of today’s semifinal between Naitasiri and Nadroga.

Skipper semifinal results:

Under-19: Nadi 31-28 Nadroga; Development: Nadi 12-20 Namosi

Yasawa’s Vika Nakaci on attack against Namosi during the ANZ Marama Championship semi-final at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, on July 22, 2022. Yasawa won 24-20 to face Suva in the final after they beat Tailevu 31-0. In the U19 semifinals Naitasiri upsets Suva 15-12 while Nadi thrashed Yasawa 31-5. Photo: Ronald Kumar

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