Waqainamedra saves Macuata with winning try

Macuata halfback, Apimeleki Waqainamedra said his winning try was no coincidence, it was a calling to put his body on the line for his side. 

Tha Babasiga men now has a chance to qualify for the Skipper Cup quarterfinals after they edged Malolo, 31-27 in Round 8 at Subrail Park, Labasa on Saturday.

Speaking to SUNsports Waqainamedra said when the moment came, he knew he had the capability to score the decisive try.

In front of a packed home crowd, Macuata fought back from a 24-17 deficit to tie the scores before Waqainamedra stormed over the try line.

He was the end of a maul where Macuata kept possession for a longer period, before he barged over the whitewash.

“I will remember this moment for a long time because I helped my team stay alive in the Skipper Cup,” he said.

Macuata vice-captain, Viliame Maiono, said his players showed resilence despite trailing most of the game.

“After losing the first four games of the season, we managed to pull ourselves together”.

Maiono emphasised they had faith that his players who score the winning try.

After the game against Naitasiri in the earlier round, Maiono said the players could beat any team on their day.

A relieved leader himself, said they would now fight for another win against Tailevu in Round 9.

When approached on the game strategy used, Maiono said the instructions were simple. 

“Stick to the game plan and do the basics right,” he said. 

Maiono said their players continue to improve in their discipline area.

“We thank our coaches and management for helping us with player welfare which has seen the growth of the bonding of players,” he added.

Head coach, Osea Umuumulovo said players defended well in the last few minutes of the game.

He said the players had to realise the importance of building a winning culture.

“We still have set pieces to improve on,” he added.