FOR the first time in the union’s history, Malolo will appear in the final of the Skipper Cup after they beat Nadi 31-19 in the semi-final at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
The meeting of the Western rivals was an intensely-contested one as the maritime ruggers drew first blood in the match with a converted try by Tomasi Tawake in the 20th minute and kick by Simeli Karacia and ensured they kept a consistent lead.
Tawake’s try came after two missed penalty kicks by Esala Nalobo in the 12th and 17th minute.
In the 23rd minute, skipper Imanueli Bari crossed the scoreline with a successful conversion by Karacia.
Nadi added to their side of the scoresheet with an unconverted try by Ratu Aporosa Derenalagi as replacement Adrian Sanday’s conversion was not successful.
In the 36th minute, Malolo missed three points after a missed penalty kick by Karacia however this was redeemed three minutes later with a converted try from Karacia and kick by Nalobo as the match went into half-time with points at 21-5 for Malolo.
After the break, Sanday scored a converted try with a kick from Derenalagi in the 62nd minute.
Following this, Malolo responded in the 66th minute with a try from Viliame Nalolo and a successful conversion by Douglas Daveta.
As Malolo sat comfortably in the lead, Nadi attempted to regain dominance with a converted try from Peni Malumu and kick by Laisenia Vakaloloma, but this was not enough as Malolo’s Tevita Ledua made a penalty kick as the match was Malolo’s for the win.
