The BLK Nadroga rugby team has a point to prove this weekend against Naitasiri, that their Farebrother Sullivan and Skipper Cup campaign has just got better.
Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu said they had always had a slow start in the previous season and again this year.
After the Stallions lost grip of the Farebrother Sullivan trophy to Namosi earlier this month at Lawaqa Park, the players have been facing difficulties in accepting the outcome of the match however it has also given them a reason to keep on fighting and never give up.
“In the past we always have a slow start in our performances in the Skipper Cup competition however this year it cost us the Farebrother trophy,” said Matawalu.
“We escaped the wrath of Suva but we were unfortunate against Namosi but as that happens the boys felt to have lost a precious belonging and they will not stop at anything to get it back.
“Starting slow is not an excuse because every other team was affected by COVID-19 before the season started but we are lucky to still have a chance to play for both trophies again and we will not make the same mistakes we made against Namosi.”
Nadroga has played three games and the coaches have been changing their line-up every game.
“Since we didn’t have enough time for preparation for this season and to defend the Farebrother in the first two rounds, the boys couldn’t handle the pressure as it was a first time experience,” Tiko said.
“However we still have a chance to get both trophies back and now the players have adapted into the competition and the coaches are aware of their players’ capabilities and their best line-up to win back the trophy.”
Nadroga still has a chance to challenging for the Farebrother, if Namosi retains the trophy against Lautoka next weekend then Nadroga will challenge Namosi next on September 19.
Since Namosi will play three games away after their match against Lautoka, the Stallions are next on the challenge list.
If Lautoka wins the Farebrother then Nadroga will challenge on September 5, but Suva will have the first challenge at Churchill Park on August 29.
Meanwhile Nadroga will host Naitasiri this weekend at Lawaqa Park, Tailevu hosts Suva at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nadi takes on Lautoka at Churchill Park and Yasawa meets Namosi at Prince Charles Park.
