Young Isikeli Rabitu put on a man-of-the-match performance to end Lautoka’s 21-year drought of the Inkk Farebrother Trophy at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua flyhalf, who scored a try and was successful with two penalties, controlled the game well for the Maroons to beat holders Nadi 16-10 in the first challenge of the year.
The last time Lautoka held the Farebrother Trophy was in 2003 after they beat Naitasiri 18-13 and successfully defended the title against Nadi, Suva, and Nadroga before falling to Tailevu.
“I didn’t expect to receive this man of the match award, but I thank God for giving me the strength to help win it,” the 19-year-old said.
“We would like to dedicate this win to all our mothers because it’s Mother’s Day. I also thank the boys for their hard work which allowed us to secure this win.
“I’m also proud to be part of this Lautoka team that has created history here today.
Lautoka head coach Peni Ranitu was overjoyed with the side’s win.
“The win today is the product of endless hours of practice and preparation, and I cannot be happier for what the boys have done here today,” he said.
“We have been perfecting our weaknesses over the past week, and the boys played exceptionally well today. We are happy to be finally bringing the trophy back to Lautoka after 21 years.”
Nadi was in superb form in the opening minutes of the match, but a red card in the second half played a huge role in the side’s loss.
Nadi’s assistant captain Maikeli Sivo wished Lautoka all the best for the rest of the competition and urged the side to keep the trophy in the Western Division.
Rabitu scored the first try five minutes into the game before Nadi’s Tuidraki Samusamuvodre converted a penalty kick for a 5-3 lead.
Rabitu then converted another penalty before his skipper Jona Sawailau scored their second.
Nadi number eight Jaoji Koroimataitini crossed over for their first try which was converted as they trailed 13-10 at the break.
Nadi’s Orisi Erenavula received a red card in the 54th minute followed by yellow cards to Lautoka’s Gabriel Ratu and Apakuki Vuaviri.
Rabitu converted his second penalty at the 64th-minute mark to extend their lead to 16-10.
Nadi received another yellow card with less than 12 minutes to play, denting their hopes of a comeback.
Suva is the next challenger.
