Namosi began their 2021 Skipper Provincial Cup campaign on the right note with a hard earned 19-13 win over Tailevu at the Nakelo District School ground yesterday.
Despite conceding a loss Tailevu coach Seremaia Bai said it was yet early days for the team.
“I’ve spent five days with them and we took Namosi to the wire,” Bai said.
“It was not the end result we wanted but we dug deep and had our moments and congratulations to Namosi.”
Bai said he was not disappointed with the loss, but dwelled on the positives.
“There is a lot of potential in this team, and a bit more work and we will get there.
“Like I say that rugby is about creating opportunities, and those opportunities will come soon.
“For the moment we will reset, reflect and look towards our game against Northland.”
In the muck, Namosi led 12-10 at half-time after scoring two tries through hooker Seru Cakobau and outside centre Meli Nakarawa with fly half Joseva Vunisa adding one conversion.
Tailevu winger Viliame Kanatabua scored the side’s lone try of the first half with fullback Maika Baleinaloto adding the conversion and a penalty.
The lead changed hands immediately after the breather when the Tailevu pack milked a penalty after they applied pressure on the Namosi scrum which buckled. Baleinamoto added the three points to take a one point lead in the 42nd minute.
Namosi kept their composure despite the constant barrage from the green attacking defence and thunderous supporters Namosi quietened the crowd in the 65th minute when a miss pass in midfield saw the ball pounced on by substitute fly half Netava Koroisau to race away down the paddock before being cut short.
Namosi recycled the ball and after some hard running, lock forward Eparama Luvata crashed over to regain the lead with Koroisau also adding the two points.
The game went down to the wire with Tailevu looking to steal the win on home soil at the death.
But the Namosi stonewall defence held firm to gift the visitors a first win of the season.
Namosi also won the development grade match by 26-20 and the U19 grade by 5-3.
Tailevu starting line-up: 1. Kelepi Gucake 2. Solomoni Radrotini 3. Saula Naivakadranu 4. Joseph Magoh 5. Raduva Saumaki 6. Kalivati Rainima 7.Sailosi Taka 8.Timoci Vunimoku 9.Peniasi Ravudolo 10.Seru Vaniqi 11.Osea Qamasea 12.Paula Nayacakalou 13.Lemeki Junior 14.Viliame Kanatabua 15.Maika Baleinaloto
Namosi starting line-up: 1. Venasio Kunabuli 2. Seru Cakobau 3. Jale Sassen 4. Seremaia Veiseyaki 5. Eparama Luvata 6. Apakuki Vuaviri 7. Malakai Biumaiwai 8. Sakiusa Nadruku 9. Peni Matawalu 10. Joseva Vunisa 11. Pio Macanawai 12. Joseph Cavu 13. Meli Nakarawa 14. Asesela Ratudamu 15. Esala Nalobo
