THE Raiwaqa Rugby team doused off the challenge from National Fire Authority yesterday in the Suva Rugby Union Escott Shield quarter-finals by 23-22.

The Epenisi Rigamoto-coached side was ahead at half-time by 22-6 only to miss out in the end when Raiwaqa made a strong return to the game to score three tries and a conversion to steal the semi-final spot.

But it was a disallowed try to the NFA’s Sireli Masiwini that got officials of NFA questioning the referee and the fourth official who made the call on their reasons.

As most NFA officials cried foul over the win because of the decision made, NFA coach Rigamoto said the loss was unfortunate.

“I believe we were also against the wind in the second-half and I told the players to play safe to move out of our danger zone, but they defended in our territory most times,” Rigamoto said. Rigamoto wished Raiwaqa well in their semi-final saying they had fallen short yet again and the season now ended for the firemen.

“We bowed out of the quarter-finals last year, we wish Raiwaqa well,” Rigamoto added.