LAUTOKA Rugby Union and Yasawa Rugby Union played to a five-all draw during their pre-season match at Nadovu Park in Lautoka last Saturday.

Both teams looked to be evenly matched in their set-piece play.

There were numerous opportunities for both teams in each half, however, they failed to capitalise on it.

Yasawa scored a try in the first spell through Jim Bolakoro as they led the Maroons 5-0 at the break.

The Lautoka side went over the line from a rolling maul which was scored by Samisoni Ravudi.

Maroons’ assistant coach Raikaiwasa Loanakadavu said the weekly competition was now building the base of the Maroons side.

“The weekly competition is productive in terms of the player pool that we have,” he said.

The Natabua High School teacher added holding such regular competitions helped them to select a good side.

“Yasawa is a good opponent and looking at the two teams, they were more or less evenly matched in set piece play.”

Yasawa coach and former Fiji 7s mentor and Highlanders winger Iliesa Tanivula said they were trying to get a core squad for their Skipper Cup season.

“We play Nadi in three weeks’ time and this match was just to gauge our performance and get the best combination.”

He said there were some ‘grey areas’ that needed to be worked on before they face Nadi.