RA created history in Fiji provincial rugby yesterday, dethroning defending champions Naitasiri 32-27 in a dramatic INKK Farebrother Challenge at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva to claim the prestigious trophy for the first time.
Ra produced a determined performance before delivering the decisive blow five minutes after the full-time hooter to complete a memorable victory.
Naitasiri made a flying start, with Osea Dasalusalu crossing for the opening try in the first minute before Etonia Rokotuisawa added the conversion.
However, Ra responded six minutes later through Navitalai Rabura, with fullback Weresilo Fero converting to level the scores at 7-7.
The contest quickly developed into an entertaining battle as both sides traded attacks, with Fero adding a penalty in the 28th minute before Livai Koro crossed for another Ra try a minute later.
Ra missed the conversion, allowing Naitasiri to remain within striking distance.
The defending champions responded through outside centre Josaia Tubuna in the 33rd minute, although Rokotuisawa missed the conversion.
Nevertheless, Ra regained momentum when fly-half Rusiate Ramotiqa crossed for their third try in the 36th minute, but the conversion was unsuccessful as the teams went into halftime locked at 20-20.
The second half brought even more intensity, with both teams receiving yellow cards in a tense period.
Ra eventually broke the deadlock through openside flanker Alipate Naura, who crossed for their fourth try, although the conversion was missed.
Naitasiri refused to surrender their title, however, and responded through their winger, who scored before Rokotuisawa converted to put the defending champions back in front.
As the match entered its closing stages, the pressure mounted, with Naitasiri missing a penalty and receiving two yellow cards.
However, Ra had the final say.
With the full-time hooter already sounded, their replacement No. 23 Niumai Rokociri crossed for the match-winning try in the 85th minute before adding the conversion to seal the 32-27 triumph.
The result ended Naitasiri’s reign as champions and handed Ra their first-ever Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy victory, marking a historic milestone for the province.
