WHEN the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua was held at 20-all draw against the Hurricanes last Saturday, the team was sealed off from any opportunities to push itself through to the try-line until fans and supporters became the 16th man through cheers and chants.
The second half of the intense 80-minute thriller between the teams was a show of ferocity and skill, neither side wanting to yield dominance over the other following the try by Drua’s Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and a three-pointer kicked in by the visitors.
As the Drua then extended their lead with an unconverted try by Etonia Waqa in the 66th minute, fans and supporters of the Drua began singing the iTaukei hymn “Vanua Domoni” as the team held off the visitors for as long as they could until the final whistle.
The players on the field were filled with a new wave of energy when the moment unfolded, as relayed by co-captain Frank Lomani after the match.
“The one thing this team is grateful for are our supporters,” Lomani credited.
“They turn up every time we have a home game and that is one thing we really love.”
He acknowledged their support, especially the many fans who braved the pouring rain to watch the match from the grass embankment on the other end of the park or those sitting at the temporary stands next to the concrete grandstand.
“They’re getting behind us, especially with what we just witnessed out there. In five minutes, they (the Hurricanes) were just one try away, anything can happen.
“With that kind of energy, that really shifted and changed the momentum of the game. Big thanks to the supporters for turning up, especially in this weather.”
