Replacement hooker Osea Sevu scored a second half try to help his Tailevu team hold Nadi 13-all in their Skipper Cup seventh round match at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori yesterday.
It was another lucky escape for the Tailevu team as they gave away a 5-3 half time lead, allowing the visitors to jump in front with about 25 minutes remaining.
Hardworking Nadi number eight Apisai Nagi finished off a rampaging run which started from inside their own half to dive over near the crossbar for their only try.
Fly half Navitalai Tuilawa converted Nagi’s try and Nadi took over the lead 10-5 From a well-worked move inside the Tailevu half, Tuilawa sneaked in a dropgoal which saw them move further ahead to 13-5.
With the backing of a very vocal crowd at Ratu Cakobau Park, Tailevu lifted its performance in the last quarter of the game.
Seru Vaniqi gave the Tailevu fans a reason to smile as he converted a penalty just outside the Nadi 22 metre line to bring scores to 13-8.
This brought fans from sides on their feet as the two teams started to open up the game and attacked from deep inside their territory.
From one of their counter attacks from inside their half, Sevu was on hand to take the final pass and gallop untouched to the tryline to see Tailevu draw level 13-13 after the conversion missed.
Cakobau Park yesterday.
Picture: JOVESA NAISUA
Teams:
Tailevu: 1. Noa Bula, 2 Akilio Ratusila, 3. Saula Naivakadranu, 4 Joseph M, 5 Eparama Sucumainalawa, 6. Raduva Saumaki, 7. Timoci Vunimoko, 8. Vetaia Tiko, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Seru Vaniqi, 11. Joseva Drava, 12. Marika Rasowaki, 13. Lemeki Junior, 14. Viliame Kanatabua, 15. Osea Qamasea. Reserves: 16. Osea Sevu, 17. Epeli Cawanibuka, 18. Kelepi Gucake, 19. Jale Saukilea, 20. Vio Ralagi, 21. Autiko Domonakibau, 22. Kuliniasi Qaqa, 23. Paulo Nayacakalou.
Nadi:1. Kenneth Delai, 2.Tuvere Vugakoto (captain), 3. Simione Tora, 4. Samuela Saqiwa, 5. Avorosa Saukuru, 6.Jolame Luvevou, 7. Vilive Miramira, 8. Apisai Nagi, 9. Anasa Gary, 10. Navitalai Tuilawa, 11. Vilikesa Driu, 12. Vilive Aria, 13. Serupepeli Turuva, 14. Samuela Toga, 15. Isoa Donaldson. Reserves: 16. Napolioni Naulia, 17. Isaia Namote, 18. Josua Nabulivou, 19. Veniona Vuki, 20. Ilisoni Galala, 21.Apisai Nareqe, 22. Sela Toga, 23. Sireli Tuidraki. || Tailevu21 || rugby
