TRUE to their mission, Naitasiri defended the Inkk Farebrother Trophy after a hard-fought 39-16 victory over Malolo in Nausori yesterday.
The visitors drew first blood with a penalty kick from Penaia Ledua in the fourth minute of play.
Prior to half-time, as points stood at 17-6, a try initially awarded to Naitasiri’s Jone Naqiri was removed following a television match official review noting the final pass before the try was a forward pass.
Heading into the second half with Malolo trailing, a lack of discipline was on a high as scuffles broke out on several occasions.
Naitasiri finished the half with a penalty kick, an unconverted try and a converted one.
Malolo powered through to finish the match with a penalty kick and a converted try.
Following the match, the captains of both teams acknowledged the support and turnout of their fans.
Speaking to the media, Naitasiri captain Asaeli Rokoua stated the team would need to work on its discipline going forward into the competition.
Besides this, he acknowledged the 23-men team for the work done, especially in areas the team delivered well in.
“Our forwards did very well but we will work on our backline for next week but most especially our discipline,” Rokoua said.
Malolo captain and blindside Imanueli Bari highlighted how his side continued to power through to the end with only 13-men.
“We showcased a very good game and as you witnessed, there were only 13 of us in those final minutes but we managed to score some tries,” he said.
Meanwhile, in round two next week, Naitasiri will defend the title against Tailevu while Malolo faces Ba.
Round one results: Suva 35-13 Ba, Nadi 17-15 Lautoka, Naitasiri 39-16, Nadroga 39-18 Macuata, Tailevu 12-9 Vatukoula.
