A first for Nacula to host the Skipper Cup competition and the Yasawa rugby men’s team did not disappoint as they defeated Namosi 35-25 yesterday.
Both teams had scored 13 points each and had nothing separating them at half-time.
The ground at Ratu Meli Memorial School was filled with Yasawa villagers and tourists from nearby resorts who came to show their support.
Yasawa coach Taione Ratu was emotional when approached for an interview after the match.
Ratu knew it was a special moment for the people of Yasawa as many of them had not watched a Skipper Cup match.
“We had a plan to come out and win today and the boys did that,” he said.
“I want to thank the Yasawa people here and most of them have just been watching the game on Television. And to come out here in numbers was a big bonus.”
Ratu said his message to the boys at halftime was to give their all.
“It is only once that they have come to play in the island. So to give the fans and people of Yasawa of what they came to expect from the team.
“And we did deliver. I want to thank the boys as well for a long season this year.”
Ratu added the game plan was to win with a bonus point.
“So that we would move to eighth place and play in the quarter-finals for Skipper Cup. Hopefully that scenario stays by looking at other matches today.
“And if the odds go for us, we will be preparing for quarter-finals next week.”
Meanwhile, Namosi coach Maxwell Hughes said they were disappointed with the loss.
“It was tit-for-tat, and it showed during today’s game. The winner came out strong towards the end” Maxwell said.
Meanwhile in other matches Yasawa women’s lost to Namosi 38-39 in the ANZ Marama Championship while the men’s under-20 ended in 10-all.
