The BLK Nadroga side successfully retained the Farebrother Trophy after holding out a gutsy Yasawa side 17-0 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.
It was a cracker of a game with Nadroga opening the scoresheet through winger Apimeleki Nabore crossing over in the 21st minute with outside centre Eseroma Rikou adding the extras to lead 7-0.
Yasawa fullback Maikeli Rokodinono had a chance to put them on the scoreboard in the 30th minute, but missed the uprights 47 meters out.
Three minutes later Nadroga flanker Joji Kunavula fumbled the ball in front of the Marlins tryline, but teammate Jiuta Biau finally crossed over four minutes later with Rikou missing the conversion. Yasawa had a few chances of scoring in the last few minutes of the half, but failed to capitalise.
Nadroga and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua prop Jone Koroiduadua was sin-binned late in the half for a foul play in the ruck.The Stallions lead 12-0 at halftime.
Nadroga dominated the Marlins scrum at the beginning of the second half giving away three penalties before replacement winger Semiti Kaisau dived over in the left corner in the 48th minute with the conversion unsuccessful from fly half Jack Volavola at 17-0.
A few minutes later, inside centre Michael Naitokani dived over for a try but was disallowed due to a forward pass in back play. Nadroga continued to dominate until the final whistle.
Team co-manager Viliame Gonewai said the win yesterday was attained through their faith in God.
“I thank the Lord for His guidance and provisions because without Him we would not have won,” said Gonewai.
“For most of these players are playing at this level and defending the Farebrother Trophy.” Gonewai said their squad featured a lot of young players reiterating the new direction Nadroga Rugby is taking.
“The squad is made up of a lot of young players and this year as we had decided to take Nadroga Rugby to a different level. This is our year of planting seeds into this young team and it has bore fruition with us defending the Farebrother Trophy this year. This will boost us for next year’s season and we are looking forward to it.”
He also went on to thank all those behind the team who supported them in their season this year.
“I would first and foremost like to thank the paramount chief of Nadroga and all other chiefs in the province for their blessings and words of encouragement throughout the year. Secondly, to all our kinsmen, thank you for your support cheering us on at every game this season.
“Your support really brought out the best in our team and we would not be here if it weren’t for you all. Lastly, to the players families. Thank you for sticking by them throughout out journey.”
