THE McDonald’s Nadi senior men’s head coach Cohan Politini says his side must improve its ball control after suffering its first defeat of the Skipper Cup season against Nadroga at King Charles Park in Nadi last Saturday.
Nadi went down 20-17 in a closely fought Round Eight encounter.
Politini said his team knew Nadroga would capitalise on any loose possession.
“It was always about not allowing a loose ball for Nadroga. We know the fear of the loose ball,” Politini said.
“We gave them two loose balls, and we spoke to them about that at the break, and again in the second half we allowed them in.”
Politini said possession would be a major focus for Nadi as the team prepares for its next match against Malolo.
He said maintaining possession would allow Nadi to control the tempo and structure of the game.
“As long as we can keep possession, keep the game in order and control it according to the way we want to, that will be important,” he said.
“We starved Nadroga of the ball and we all know Nadroga is just waiting for the ball to bounce or fall out, and then they are on it.”
Despite the narrow loss, Politini was pleased with the effort shown by his players, particularly in defence and discipline.
He said the team would now focus on being more patient and controlled when attacking.
“Some of the main areas are mostly working with just being patient and being more controlled when we attack,” Politini said.
“Our defence was pretty good today (Saturday). I thought it was good. Our discipline was pretty good and credit to the boys for that.”
Politini indicates that the match against Malolo could provide an opportunity for some new players to gain valuable experience.
“We hope to give them a good challenge. We’ll try some new boys, new depth, and we hope to put a good team together for Malolo this Saturday,” he said.
Nadi will face defending champion Malolo at Prince Charles Park this Saturday.
Nadi openside wing Mosese Naura powers through a tackle as he takes on the Nadroga defence at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday. Nadroga won 20-17. Picture: KATA KOLI
Mosese Naura of McDonald’s Nadi looks to break through the Nadroga defence during their Round Eight Skipper Cup encounter at King Charles Park. Picture: KATA KOLI
