Rewa survives Labasa onslaught

The Stratum Rewa football team scored a brace of goals to defeat Extra Supermarket Labasa 2-1 in the Extra Premier League clash at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, yesterday.

The Babasiga Lions drew first blood through the boots of Gerard Avoc as they led 1-0 at halftime.

The Delta Tigers made a comeback in the second half with Patrick Joseph scoring the equaliser from the penalty spot.

Rewa backed by their fans put on the pressure with Norman Ngafu scoring the winning goal in the dying moment of the game.

Rewa head coach Priyant Manu said he was pleased with the result despite the lapse of concentration by his players in the first half.

“Labasa is a good team, they started well but we had a chat in the change room at halftime,” he said.

“I told the players to step up and the boys needed to take responsibility and that’s how we managed to get two goals. It’s a deserving win for us.”

Manu said there is still a lot of work to be done regardless of the win.

“We’re still rebuilding, we’re still four games down. It’s totally a new team because we have lost so many players to the OFC Pro League competition,” he said.

“The positive part is that the team is fighting hard and senior boys are leading very well.”

“The Rewa team will have a two-week break and will look to iron out their weaknesses.

“This win was very crucial for us during the week we knew what to do. The pressure was on us. Even though we left it late, but we delivered and the three points matters so hats off to the boys for fighting it out.”

Manu acknowledged their fans for their cheers that motivated his players.

When approached a disappointed Labasa coach Alvin Chand declined to comment but kept blaming the referee for their loss.

Blues survive

A late red card to striker Ravinesh Karan Singh did not stop Tailevu/Naitasiri from holding Lautoka 3-3 at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

Tailevu/Naitasiri led 2-1 at halftime with goals from Iosefo Verevou and Shanal Lal while Zibraaz Sahib pulled one back for Lautoka. In the second half, Sakiusa Saqiri scored for Tailevu/Naitasiri while Epeli Leiroti and Rusiate Matererega slammed in Blues goals.

Ba shines

At Govind Park, hosts Ba walloped Nasinu 4-0 in their clash yesterday. Ba had taken a 2-0 at halftime with Sairusi Nalaubu scoring the first goal. Continuous pressure saw the Nasinu defenders buckle with Sarvesh Singh scoring an own goal. The win puts Ba at the top of the points table.