SUVA continued its unbeaten run in 2015 Skipper Cup competition after they defeated defending champions Nadroga 18-17 at Buckhurst grounds in Suva yesterday.
Nadroga coach Esala Nauga said they lost the game because of the high number of penalties they gave away during the match.
All Suva’s points came from kicks as former Nadroga player Ratu Meli Kurisaru was successful with five penalties while fullback Jaoji Dakuvula kicked a dropgoal.
“We continued to move forward but in our attack play the boys kept losing the ball and so we had a lot of missed opportunities,” nauga said.
“Congratulations to the Suva team for the win today, they pressured the Nadroga team and most of the penalties that they were awarded was because they applied pressure in all areas,” he said.
Kurisaru kicked four successful penalties in the first half putting them in the lead 12-0. An coverted try to Nadroga’s Peni Ravai in the 25th minute of play saw Suva leading at the break 12-7.
Nadroga looked rejuvenated in the second spell when an early try from Savenaca Rawaca saw them level 12-12.
Conceding another penalty in the second spell, Suva edged Nadroga 15-12, with a drop goal by Dakuvula furthering their lead 18-12.
Nadroga’s hopes was shattered in the final phase of play when the unsuccessful conversion to Eremasi Radrodro’s corner try gave the final scoreline of 18-17 in Suva’s favour.
Suva coach Salimoni Ravouvou dedicated the win to the fans and management saying their win against the Stallions had been a long time coming.
“It was tough match. It was a bit disappointing because we had a lot of opportunities to score a try but didn’t as I said earlier, it’s up to the boys what they decide inside the game.
“Having said that, however it’s an honour for the Suva team, having won after meeting the champions side Nadroga. We have been working towards this for a while and so our efforts and also the management have paid off,” he said.
