Team Nokonoko/Waicoba Crusaders in round two of the Super 8 Rugby franchise competition at the Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
The Tomasi Sovilea-skippered Tuva Highlanders recorded another win in the Nadroga Rugby Union Super 8 franchise competition at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday.
The Highlanders scored three tries to one in their 17-5 win over Conua Chiefs after a narrow 7-5 lead at the break.
Highlanders scored the first try to flanker Josefa Nahalo and converted by full-back Ifereimi Kunaika. Chiefs replied with their lone try to winger Saimoni Lomani.
The second spell saw Highlanders winger Serupepeli Naqasima, score a try followed by a Tuiba Batiratu special.
The Highlanders had the services of seasoned Nadroga XVs players like Ratunaisa Navuma, Aisea Natoga, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Josefa Nahalo, Sanaila Nahuto, and Batiratu.
The Chiefs fielded wily halfback Julian Devos, Malakai Nacebe and Pita Vibose.
Sovilea said, “It was an enterprising match but it was the players who fought and pressed to the end to land us the win.”
In game two, the Jone Qoro skippered- Sigatoka Bulls recorded their first win of the competition after edging out Nokonoko-Waicoba Crusaders 20-15.
The side laced with elusive Apisalome Waqatabu, Luke Salaba, and Sakiusa Gavidi did the damage while Crusaders had winger Iosefo Tania, No.8 Ulaiyasi Lawavou and former national 7s rover Mitieli Nacagilevu who came in as an impact player.
Sekonaia Kalou’s Malomalo Sharks recorded their second win with a bonus point 29-17 victory over Noinabua Hurricanes.
In the final game of the day, Cuvu Blues pipped Wai Stormers 11-10 in a close match.
Round 2 Results
(Senior): Chiefs 5– 17 Highlanders, Crusaders 15 – 20 Bulls, Hurricanes 17 – 29 Sharks, Stormers 10- 11 Blues
(Under 20): Chiefs 5–24 Highlanders, Crusaders 7 – 17 Bulls, Hurricanes 6 – 13 Sharks, Stormers 21 - 5 Blues
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
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