REPLACEMENT Vilive Aria came on in the second spell to inspire Nadi to a come from behind 22-17 victory against a gritty Macuata outfit during the Skipper Cup at Prince Charles Park yesterday.
Down 5-3 at the break, Nadi stepped up a gear after the break with experienced Aria showing his class to score three breakaway tries in as many minutes to turn the tide in the host’s favour.
The match lived up to expectations with some good offloads which ensured enterprising breaks. Nadi tried to outmuscle Macuata in the forwards early, a game plan which was foiled by solid defence from the visitors.
After a grand first half, Macuata was blitzed by the Nadi foray with Aria leading the charge pushing his team in front 22-5 with his individual brilliance bursting through the defence.
Nadi team manager Jeff Tamata said the boys did not keep their composure in the first half.
Tamata said the aim was to score four tries and get a bonus point to remain in semi-final contention.
“But it is not the end of the road because anything can happen in the last two rounds,” he said.
Macuata team manager Ben Kameli said his boys put a strong display against Nadi but came up short.
“We had a good game but our downfall was a few silly errors by the players,” Kameli said.
Nadi fullback Inoke Cakautini scored the opening points in the 21st minute following a successful penalty.
Macuata hit back with a try by flanker Apakuki Vuaviri in the 27th minute after good work from the forwards.
The conversion from Inoke Tuvatuvu failed. He also missed a penalty attempt in the 39th minute.
Macuata led 5-3 at the break.
Aria managed to cross the tryline in the 57th minute and Cakautini converted to send the hosts back in the front.
The try was the turning point in the game as Nadi immediately took control.
Aria scored his double in the 58th minute and then his third a minute later as Nadi suddenly raced away to a handy cushion.
However Nadi seemed to let their foot off the paddle allowing Macuata to hit back.
Winger Joji Kalisito scored for the visitors in the 69th minute and Aliposo Bueta converted to make it a ten point ball game.
Macuata went into attack from the restart making many charges towards the Nadi line but lost the ball twice in handy positions.
The pressure paid off for Macuata when Luke Uluisasa managed to dot down following a kick and chase in the final minute but it was a bit too late for them.
Nadi: Robert Delai, Aseri Buli, Joseva Nadolo, Kelepi Ketedromo, Lote Nasiga, Joeli Lesavua, Meli Rokoua, Ron Katonivere, Jonacani Erenavula, Navitalai Tuilawa, Jonetni Mateiwai, Seru Vaniqi, Sakiusa Nakalevu, Mosese Tui, Inoke Cakautini.
Macuata: Viliame Bonanuku, Viliame Nabiau Satala, Voreqe Bainimarama, Tuisuwe Albert, Wate Volavola, Apakuki Vuaviri, Ropate Tuisolevu, Nemani Biu, Opeti Utoni, Inoke Tuvatuva, Rusiate Matasau, Luke Uluisasa, Isoa Waqawai, Joji Kalisito, Koroi Yavala.
