Suva Rugby to fix discipline issues

FMF Suva knows discipline will be a key issue when they face BLK Nadroga in the second round of the Skipper Cup at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, next Saturday.

Host Suva edged Vinod Patel Ba 28-26 at Bidesi Park yesterday in their Skipper Cup opener. However, both teams finished the match with 14 players. Pressure resulted in two red cards being dished out.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, team manager Ulaiasi Butukoro said discipline is their main concern as they need to address it before they travel to Sigatoka.

“We made a couple of errors against Ba, especially with our discipline,” he said.

“We were leading the game when one of our players was penalised for a high tackle, leaving us with 14 players.

“Fortunately, we managed to hold on to win.”

Butukoro praised his players for maintaining their composure despite playing a man down.

“I thank the boys for controlling the game despite having only 14 players on the field.”

Butukoro said the team would review their performance and work on correcting their mistakes before taking on Nadroga.

“I also thank our supporters for backing the team.”

When contacted Ba Rugby Union secretary Pastor Gabby Kautoga said handling errors proved costly despite his side’s spirited second-half fightback.

“We also conceded penalties for high tackles.

“Suva is a good team and this is only our second year competing in the Skipper Cup,” Kautoga said.

“I thank the boys for giving their best, even though we didn’t get the result we wanted.

“We also thank Suva for a tough and competitive match.”

In the women’s Subrails Marama Championship, NewWorld Ba women side took FMF Suva to the wire before bowing out 34-30 at Bidesi Park yesterday