The Vinod Patel Ba Men’s came unstuck against Malolo last week leaving them down in eighth place with a mountain to climb if they are to achieve their season’s goals.
“That’s the third game we’ve lost at the death,” BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga said, recalling the end-of-game slip-ups against Tailevu and Taveuni.
Coach Ben Tora opted to give his regular front rowers a break after four games and started with three new faces.
Malolo capitalised on this and led 20-3 before top prop Allen Osborne and hooker Ben Sokia were introduced.
Osborne began with his second try in two weeks, while Sokia’s experience solidified the set pieces.
Once they got into their swing, Ba dominated play and scored three tries to lead 22-20 only to concede a painful late score after the hooter to lose 22-25.
With away games to Nadroga today and Nadi next week, Tora’s team need to step up and get some wins on the board before their run of four straight home games at 4R Stadium, Govind Park.
From 19 September, Ba host table-toppers Naitasiri then Rewa, Kadavu and Lautoka.
“We are not where we planned to be,” Kautoga admitted. “So there’s a lot of work to be done.”
