THE Navosa rugby team defeated Nanukuloa 18-8 in their Vodafone Cup game at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.

Navosa scored two tries, one converted and two penalties while Nanukuloa managed a try from Taitusi Nauga and a penalty kick.

However the game was marred by indiscipline from both teams.

Nanukuloa’s Jope Roko and Navosa’s Hatobe were both issued with a red card each for dangerous play and later in the second half two players from each team were given yellow cards for similar offences.

Both coaches were not satisfied with the performance of the referee.

Nanukuloa coach Moape Bolebole said after the game the Fiji Rugby Union should not focus only on the Skipper Cup competition where it sends the best referees in the country to control games.

“They should also allow experienced referees to control the games at our level,” Bolebole said .

“It was quite obvious the referee today was a new guy who seemed to be uncertain on some of his decisions, this will not help in the development of rugby in Fiji.”

Navosa coach Peniasi Damu echoed similar sentiments.

“The referee never gave players a warning and was quick in sending players to the sin bin,” said Damu.

But Joe Bosoka, president of the Nadroga Referees Association, defended the referee saying he controlled the game well.

“He did a marvelous job in handling the game, he did his best.

“Both teams lacked basic rugby, discipline was also a problem from both teams.

“They need to be familiar with the basics in rugby and teach their players to play a clean hard type of game where spectators would fully enjoy the it,” said Bosoka.