SUVA staged a late rally to down minnows Malolo 31-22 in the Skipper Cup at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday.
Malolo led 22-19 with ten minutes to go but crumbled under pressure as the Suva players stepped up the tempo to seal the victory.
The opening game recorded a high number of turn overs and penalties with both teams failing to find their combinations.
Suva coach Saiasi Fuli said it was a big step up for his boys because they had a high turnover of players.
“Many players from the last two years have left,” Fuli said.
“So it is an opportunity for us to expose the young talents of Suva Rugby Union. For some of them it is the first time to don the Suva jumper.”
Centre John Stewart scored Suva’s opening try in the fifth minute following a line out. Mosese Tikoduadua added the conversion.
Eroni Vucago sparked Malolo into action with a try moments later. The conversion from Meli Qainiuci missed.
Malolo number eight Timoci Vuadreu crashed his way through under the cross bar and Qainiuci’s conversion ensured Malolo a 12-7 lead at half time.
Malolo extended the advantage in the 46th minute with Iliesa Bari’s try following a kick and chase effort.
Suva found some rhythm in their game scoring back to back tries from Seru Cavuilati and Apisai Tauyavuca to regain the lead 19-17.
Vucago grabbed his brace in the 70th minute but Malolo could not hold on at the end with Lemeki Damu and Semi Keli crossing over to hand the visitors maximum points.
Malolo coach Mosese Volavola said his boys had a great game especially in the first half.
Volavola said the unnecessary penalties cost them dearly in the second half. During training I told the boys that Suva would step up in the last 10 minutes,” Volavola said.
“That is what happened and the result is there. The competition will be stiff this year.
There big teams in the top eight and it will be a challenge for us to play against them. Our aim is to maintain our position in the Skipper Cup next year.”
In the Vodafone Vanua Championship Western Zone, Lautoka defeated Ra 36-10 while Tavua beat Yasawa 12-7.
Malolo: Taniela Vatunicoko, Sireli Guivalu, Salamisa Batimala, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Timoci Vuadreu, Napolioni Bakewa, Penioni Vuki, Timoci Cavu, Joseva Kuricuva, Lepani Seduadua, Eroni Vucago, Iliesa Bari, Meli Qainiuci, Orisi Terei, Timoci Tavuto.
Suva: Apisai Vatubuli, Jone Lesikilakeba, Kalivati Tawake, Onisimo Nayato, Apisai Tauyavuca, Lemeki Damu, Suliasi Volivoli, Inia Jitoko, Seru Cavuilati, Mosese Tikoduadua, Pita Tamanivalu, Eroni Sau, John Stewart, Waisale Koroinacuqu, Joseva Vurewa.
