Skipper Cup 2020: Suva Too Powerful For Naitasiri

The experienced Suva forwards were the telling factor of their 15-6 Skipper Cup win over Naitasiri at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, last night.

What happened: Both teams started strongly as they tried to dominate play. The visitors had an upper as they gained a lot of territory pinning Suva back to their half.

In the 10th minute Naitasiri first five eighth Douglas Daveta missed a kickable penalty.

Suva began to settle down with their experienced forwards leading the charge while seasoned campaigners of John Stewart and Serupepeli Vularika toiled in the backs.

The Naitasiri defence stood tall as they were pressured by the heavier Suva pack.

Continuous pressure paid off midway the first half when Suva winger Petero Misaele ran untouched to score the first try while Vularika added the extras from the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

In the 31st minute rookie Naitasiri fullback Vuate Karawalevu took over the kicking duties and kicked over a penalty to narrow the deficit 7-3.

Suva's Enele Malili with his attempt for try against Naitasiri at ANZ Stadium on August 21, 2020. Photo: Ronad Kumar.

Line-up

Suva: 1. Apisai Vatubuli, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Manasa Saulo, 4. Manoa Tamaya, 5. Filimoni Seru, 6. Elia Canakaivata, 7. Taniela Sadrugu, 8. James Brown, 9. Nemani Buliruarua, 10. Jone Manu, 11. John Stewart, 12. Serupepeli Vularika, 13. Apisalome Vota, 14. Petero Misaele, 15. Enele Malele.

Naitasiri: 1. Joeli Veitayakia, 2. Seremaia Naureure, 3. Samu Tawake, 4. Apisai Vakatawa, 5. Temo Raibevu, 6. Esikia Macu, 7. Timoci Naiduki, 8. Sireli Kaloucava, 9. Jone Navuso, 10. Douglas Daveta, 11. Saula Naicori, 12. Lepani Tuivanuavou, 13. Epeli Ratabacaca, 14. Veramu Dikidikilati, 15. Vuate Karawalevu.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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