BLK Nadroga Stallions rounded off a gruelling HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge encounter against Malolo by scoring the winning try in extra time, to seal victory 13-10 at Lawaqa Park last night.
Playing without big names such as Nemani Nagusa, Eremasi Radrodro, Sekonaia Kalou, Setefano Samoca, Sakiusa Gavidi, Jonetani Lutumailagi and super boot Tikilaci Vuibau, the new look Stallions outfit trailed Malolo throughout the game as the fierce islanders threw their bodies on the line in their quest for a piece of history.
Inspired by former Nadroga reps Jiuta Lutumailagi, Kini Salabogi and Aca Ratuva, Malolo put the defending champions under pressure to commit unforced errors and turned possession into points, leading 5-3 at halftime.
The visitors increased their points with a try off a rolling maul in the second spell to give them a 10-3 lead.
But like true champions, the Aporosa Tabulawaki-captained Nadroga team scored a runaway 80m try in the latter stages of the game through flyer Tuiba Batiratu to narrow the scoreline to 8-10.
Lutumailagi missed a crucial drop goal in front of the posts after poor delivery from his halfback later in the game that would have sealed the game.
This was the turning point in the game as the Stallions rose to the occasion and displayed their trade mark running rugby complemented with bombarding runs that broke the first line of defence.
The Stallions trailed 8-10 at the stroke of fulltime, luckily play was still on after having won the turnover possession.
Former Fiji 7s forward Sailosi Rabonaqica combined well with Apisai Moimoi as they launched a wave of attacks with pick and drives before the ball was delivered to the backline to finish the movement through a spectacular try to super sub Seva Naitoni to seal the game 13-10.
The try broke the hearts of the islanders as the referee later blew the whistle to signal fulltime. But Malolo players should hold their heads high for scaring the Stallions during the physical encounter.
Nadroga halfback Emosi Vucago was stretchered off the field and rushed to hospital after a dangerous spear tackle from Malolo. This also inspired the Stallions to pull away with the win.
Tabulawaki said Malolo had taught them a good lesson. He also thanked his troops for their effort despite the absence of their top players.
“This is probably the toughest test for the team and we thank the Almighty God for blessing us with the win,” said Tabulawaki.
Malolo skipper Aca Ratuva also acknowledged his troops for their effort.
He said the result was a huge learning curve. Nadroga will face Namosi in their next challenge.
Nadroga line-up: 1. Salaba Luke, 2. Salawaqavuka Apete, 3. Bure Alivereti, 4. Navatu Samisoni, 5. Nahalo Joseva, 6. Moimoi Apisai, 7. Navori Jone, 8. Kulavere Atunaisa, 9. Rabici Rupeni, 10. Raiwalui Nemani,11. Batiratu Tuiba,12. Duwai Aporosa, 13. Tabulawaki Aporosa, 14. Toga Maikeli, 15. Koniferedi Simeli.
Reserves: Navuma Ratunaisa, Vatunitu Kitione, Cakobau Ratu Seru, Tirimaidoka Luke, Raboniqica Sailosi, Vucago Emosi, Naitoni Seva, Lotawa Tomasi.
Malolo line-up: 1.Dakunibubului Sikeli, 2. Ramasi Semesa, 3. Camainakelo Nemani, 4. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, 5. Salabogi Kiniviliame, 6. Turukawa Epeli, 7.Vuki Venioni, 8.Davu Timoci, 9.Nariva Atonio, 10. Lutumailagi Jiuta, 11. Terei Orisi, 12. Dora Akuila, 13. Qainiuci Ratu Meli, 14. Labalaba Nacanieli, 15. Roko Temesia.
Reserves: Turagakece Paula, Lumuni Kaliova, Soqeta Peniona, Ratuva Ratu Aca, Nasove Rusiate, Kuricuva Joseva, Tuivunilagi Semi, Tavuto Timoci.
