AFTER a prolonged absence from the Skipper Cup competition and returning to it this year, Malolo has booked a spot in the semi-finals after a 23-22 defeat of Nadroga at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.
The team defeated the Stallions in an action-packed clash yesterday, with rapid advances towards their respective try-line during the 80-minute spectacle.
Aminiasi Natuiyaga of Malolo crossed the line at the fourth minute of play with an unconverted try.
The maritime visitors added a converted try from Simeli Karacia in the seventh minute and a successful kick made by Esala Nalobo.
In the 14th minute, an opportunity for Nadroga to add three points to the board for a penalty kick turned out to not be the case for the Stallions.
Nadroga added an unconverted try by Joveci Naika to the board in the 20th minute.
Nasoni Tuigaloa of Nadroga copped a yellow card in the 24th minute, which gave way to a penalty kick by Malolo’s Esala Nalobo.
The home team responded with an unconverted try from Ilaisa Droasese in the 34th minute as Malolo added in another unconverted try by Isaia Rugu at half-time.
After the break, Malolo made a successful penalty kick while Nadroga’s further efforts to close the deficit and emerge victorious with a potential 24-23 finish were stalled when Ilaisa Droasese’s conversion missed the mark, leading to the final score.
Yesterday’s victory and semi-final qualification was a bittersweet one for the Malolo team.
They had recently dealt with the passing of their technical advisor Esala Nauga, who was honoured with a moment of silence being observed at Lawaqa Park by all in attendance.
