The Suva Rugby Union senior side started its 2023 Skipper Cup competition on a high note defeating Nadroga 31-17 in its first-round encounter at Bidesi Park yesterday.
The Stallions had the best of starts scoring two early tries.
Lock Aporosa Matakasa opened the scoring for the Stallions in the fourth minute with a try.
Ten minutes later winger Apimeleki Nabole raced away for their second as the visitors took an early 12-nil lead.
Nadroga had its replacement prop Osaia Seru sin binned in the 31st minute.
The hosts added two tries before the break, through captain James Brown and prop Inoke Ravuiwasa.
Suva led 14-12 at half-time.
The forwards did the damage for the Sky Blues in the second spell.
Tries to number eight Nemani Nagusa and outside centre Tira Wilagi secured the win for the former champions.
Nadroga did score the through fullback Anare Tuitai but it was a little too late.
Suva captain James Brown said it was important to start the season with a win.
“We had come to win and we are glad we have achieved that. It was not going to be easy against Nadroga but our team did the hard yards and am glad we came out with the win,” Brown said.
According to organisers about 300 fans turned up to watch the game.
Teams
Suva: Vilikesa Neirau, Isireli Narawa, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Nemani Sarasau, Sitiveni Kurivitu, James Brown, Vilikesa Sewale, Nemani Nagusa, Terio Tamani, Enele Malele, Keponi Paul, Waisake Ravuiwasa, Tira Wilagi, Lote Degei, Eparama Senikuraciri Nadroga: Simione Bulai, Ratunaisa Navuma, Aisake Atani, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Aporosa Matakasa, Peceli Mahikula, Simeli Naituvi, Eremasi Radrodro, Taitusi Lulusini, Peni Kadralevu, Waisea Taninaloka, Mesake Tuinamena, Kelevi Cavuduadua, Apimeleki Nabole, Anare Tuitai
