Former Fiji 7s rep Amenoni Nasilasila was back in action in the Skipper Cup competition for Namosi against Tailevu at Thomson Park in Navua yesterday.
Nasilasila, now serving a sentence for rape at the Naboro Corrections Centre, started the match at fly half and finished off at fullback.
Meanwhile, poor decision making and indiscipline cost the hosts valuable points as the match ended in a 15-all draw. With the scores tied, Namosi had the chance to win by converting a penalty from 30 metres out from straight in front but they rushed it with a quick tap, losing the ball in the next phase.
Namosi started the match on a high with a try to robust winger Avete Daveta in the first minute.
Nasilasila missed the conversion as Namosi led 5-nil.
Two tries from Tailevu through loose head prop Mosese Gavidi and winger Inoke Taka saw them take a 12-5 lead. Namosi tight head prop Alivereti Rabukawaqa was then shown a red card for throwing a punch on Tailevu’s Keresoni Delaivuna.
With 14 men, Namosi applied pressure and were rewarded when hooker Seru Cakobau crossed over after a short line-out from five metres out.
The teams rested with Tailevu leading 12-10.
Namosi’s openside flanker Fabiano Rogovakalali gave the lead back to Namosi with a try midway through the spell. Nasilasila had a kickable conversion but hooked it from 10 metres wide of the uprights.
Tailevu applied pressure and secured a penalty and converted it from 15 metres out to secure the draw.
Tailevu coach Samisoni Baikeitoga said it was a good result for his young side.
“It’s never easy to come and win here. Namosi is a very good team and we are pleased to have come out with a draw. Hats off to my young team who played their hearts out today and I would like to return the glory to the man we call Jesus who helped us on the field,” Baikeitoga said.
Namosi Rugby Union chairman Alivio Turaga said the slippery and soggy conditions did not match to their game plan.
“It was tough to execute our game plan as the ground was soggy. We had trained for a game plan but unfortunately, we could not showcase that today but at the end of the day both teams shared points and I’m glad we got something from the match,” Turaga said.
