Vatukoula upsets Nadi at home

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Vatukoula defence work hard to stop Nadi’s Sairusi Tanidrala during their match in the Skipper Cup competition at Theodore Park in Vatukoula. Picture: REINAL CHAND

Vatukoula upset Nadi 23-20 in a nail-biting round three Skipper Cup clash at Theodore Park, Vatukoula, yesterday.

Roared on by their vocal home crowd, Vatukoula came out firing and scored in just the second minute when winger Josese Koro dotted down, with Filimoni Bainivalu converting for a 7-0 lead. Nadi hit back through hooker Peni Malumu after a strong forward drive, but the conversion was unsuccessful.

The Gold Miners continued to build momentum, with Nasoni Nawacegucegu crossing over in the 16th minute. Iliesa Amenagata added the extras and later slotted a penalty in the 36th minute to hand Vatukoula a comfortable 17-5 halftime lead.

Nadi responded strongly after the break, lifting their intensity and clawing their way back into the contest. Tries from Tuidraki and Aminiasi Tuinayau, along with a conversion and penalty from fly-half Pateresio Lutumailagi, tied the match 20-20 at the hour mark.

With the game in the balance, Vatukoula kept pressing and were rewarded with a crucial penalty in the 70th minute. Replacement kicker Usaia Tilivarua calmly slotted it through the posts to seal a hard-fought 23-20 victory.

Vatukoula coach Emori Ratu praised his side’s improved discipline, which had been costly in their earlier outings.

“After the first two rounds, discipline was one of the main reasons we lost. I reminded the boys to improve, and they delivered today,” Ratu said.

“I also want to thank our supporters for turning up in numbers and backing us.”

The result lifts Vatukoula’s confidence as they look to build momentum in the competition, while Nadi will rue missed opportunities in a match that went down to the wire.