Despite the unfavourable field conditions at Churchill Park ground number three yesterday, Naitasiri put on a strong second half performance to down host’s Lautoka 13-8 during the round five of the Skipper Cup competition.
Both teams struggled to put points on the board early in the match as the soggy ground conditions was not suitable for free-flowing rugby.
The 19-year-old Fijian Drua player, Isikeli Rabitu, started at flyhalf for the Maroons and slotted in the first three points in the 24th minute to put Lautoka in the lead.
The Maroons, backed by their vocal support, kept the momentum in the match and were awarded with a try after hooker Samuela Suguturaga went over the tryline to extend their lead.
However, the hillmen slowly put in the hard yards through their forward pack and hooker Ilaitia Sela went over for a try minutes before the halftime break as they trailed the Maroons 7-8.
The pep-talk at the breather worked out well for Naitasiri as they denied Lautoka any points in the next 40 minutes. Naitasiri maintained their discipline and worked hard in various phases of play, which was dominated by their forwards and were awarded with two penalities in the second half, both successfully converted by flyhalf Senijale Qiokata for a 13-8 victory.
Naitasiri coach Ilaitia Tuisese Jr said it was a tough match in almost unplayable conditions.
“We are just fortunate to get a win here today but whatever we had trained for would not have worked out so we had to adapt and overcome it. Lautoka is a good team and it is always tough to play against them,” he said.
Lautoka Maroons head coach Peniona Ranitu said they had a lot of opportunities in the second half, however, they could not convert them into points.
“The boys gave their all, but we were just edged out,” said Ranitu.
Meanwhile, Naitasiri won their U20 match against Lautoka 19-14.
Results Skipper Cup: Seniors: Nadi 35-17 Ba, Nadroga 41-15 Yasawa; U20: Nadroga 41-5 Yasawa, Ba 13-8 Nadi. ANZ Marama Championship: Yasawa 17-5 Nadroga, Nadi 50-0 Navosa, Naitasiri 39-12 Lautoka; U20: Nadi 53-0 Navosa, Naitasiri 24-17 Lautoka, Vodafone Vanua Cup: Seniors: Serua 10-10 Kadavu; U20: Serua 17-15 Kadavu
