NAITASIRI maintained its unbeaten run in the Skipper Cup rugby competition after snatching a narrow 10-8 victory over Lautoka at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori on Friday night.
The wet weather conditions favoured the home team as they took a commanding lead 10-3 at the break.
Naitasiri scored two tries in the opening 40 minutes to former national sevens rep Nasoni Roko and lock forward Saimoni Tagitagivalu. Lautoka’s Sisa Saukawa nailed a penalty to narrow the deficit.
However, the second half was dominated by the visitors who came back with an unconverted try to winger Alipate Ciba.
Naitasiri, boosted with the return of Roko, former Flying Fijians halfback Waisale Vatuvoka and policeman Sireli Kaloucava in their pack continued its unbeaten run at home this season. The Maroons’s late rally was unfortunate as they ended up on the losing end.
Naitasiri, now under the guidance of schoolteacher Eroni Vereivalu has bagged four wins from four games this season.
Captained by new skipper and winger Esava Delai, the newlook highlanders side looked to be a force to be reckoned with, taking into account the numerous young talents it has introduced this season.
Former Queen Victoria School under-18 winning Deans first five-eighth Kini Douglas has started for Naitasiri in previous games.
Douglas was part of the winning QVS side that won the Deans trophy in 2012.
Former Fiji U20 player Patemo Buto, the younger brother of former Flying Fijian Alosio Buto has also been impressive on the wing.
