NAITASIRI put up a brave performance to break the hearts of Ba fans at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, in Ba yesterday, defeating Vinod Patel Ba Rugby Union 33-28 in a thrilling Skipper Cup encounter.
Ba made a strong start in the first 40 minutes, playing ruthless rugby in both attack and defence. The home side scored three tries through Meli Tuvusa and Sailosi Narabe, who scored a double, while fly-half Joseva Nokelevu successfully converted all three tries.
Naitasiri’s lone try in the first half was scored by John Muller and converted by Etonia Rokotuisawa.
Ba went into the halftime break with a 21-7 lead.
Naitasiri bounced back strongly in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, scoring their second try through Osea Dasalusalu, with Napolioni Batimala converting.
Naitasiri continued to fight back, with the experienced Muller diving over for his second try in the 54th minute. Rokotuisawa was unable to add the conversion.
The Naitasiri supporters erupted from their seats as their side shifted into another gear, with Alipate Waidilo scoring their fourth try.
Rokotuisawa successfully converted to bring Naitasiri closer to the home side.
Ba continued to stick to its structure, utilising its powerful forward pack, and scored its fourth try through Allen Osborne in the 66th minute. Nokelevu added the conversion.
However, Naitasiri refused to give up despite the roaring home crowd and pushed through for the winning try, with Aseri Nakailagi scoring in the 76th minute.
Rokotuisawa calmly converted in the 77th minute to complete Naitasiri’s comeback and secure the 33-28 victory.
