A nail-biting performance between BLK Nadroga and the Lautoka Maroons with a last-minute Nadroga penalty to win the match 10-8 at the Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Despite the win, the Nakuruvakarua team took their hats off to the hosts side as they fought to the final minute that awarded them the penalty in the Lautoka 22 metre line and Nadroga fullback Apisalome Waqatabu kicked the winning points for the Stallions. Lautoka team manager Joseph Sikuri said his side fought a good battle and they would continue to learn and improve in the next round.
“These are our home grown players and we know we can do better in the next round. We lacked in some areas like our decision-making but overall we are learning and we can do better,” said Sikuri.
Nadroga team captain Ulaiasi Lawavou said they had to keep on fighting because they knew Lautoka dominated in most areas. “We had to change our pattern in the second half and we were told to apply pressure and play in their territory,” he said.
“Lautoka pushed us to the wire but we never gave up and kept on pushing forward and I salute the boys for the teamwork that awarded the penalty to us in the final minute of play.
Teams:
Lautoka; 1. Isoa Vasukilulu, 2. Ilaids Leica, 3. Samuela Suguturaga, 4. Epeli Radaniva, 5. Timoci Vudreu, 6. Sairusi Roko, 7. Viliame Tivau, 8. Agavito Sauvakarua, 9. Asaeli Qalova, 10. Jeremaia Tavai, 11. Jone Qauqau, 12. Peniasi Vuniyayawa, 13. Vatiliai Tuisabeto, 14. Kolinio Lavoti, 15. Opeti Ratucati. Reserves; 16. Nabiau Satala, 17. Atunaisa Uluimoala, 18. Masi Serubasaga, 19. Sanaila Kulaiwai, 20. Sikeli Nasilasila, 21. Peniasi Lolo, 22. Waisea Luveniyali, 23. Sunia Talebula.
Nadroga: 1. Jone Koroiduadua, 2.Meli Neiori, 3. Setefano Somoca, 4. Sailosi Dawai, 5. Sailasa Kerekere, 6. Jone Navori, 7. Jasa Veremalua, 8. Ulaisai Lewavou, 9. Joseva Kuricuva, 10. Jiuta Lutumailagi, 11. Savenaca Navuniharau, 12. Napolioni Nalaga, 13. Mesake Tuinamena, 14. Isoa Tabu, 15. Apisalome Waqatabu. Reserves; 16. Mosese Gavidi, 17. Luke Salaba, 18. Taniela Vatunicoko, 19. Semisi Nakokorava, 20. Timoci Davu, 21. Emosi Vucago, 22. Jonetani Ralulu, 23. Apisai Waqaliva.
