Namosi Thrashes Rewa 46 - 3 15 September, 2012 The GP Batteries Promotion Relegation proved to be a thriller of a match as Namosi thrashed Rewa 43 -6 this afternoon at Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park. 

The 2500 plus vocal crowd created an electric atmosphere with their flags, t-shirts and sulus that set the stage for the much awaited match that would determine who deserved a place in the major union competition. 

Rewa with their experienced players were out to regain some esteem after remaining winless in the Digicel Cup competition and drew first blood seven minutes after kick off from a penalty kick that was slotted in easily by Fullback Josese Vakatawakoro. 

But Namosi drew level three minutes later with a penalty kick to Flyhalf Semesa Takirua. 

Both teams were out to prove a point in front of their fans and the Vanua, but it was the hardworking Namosi forwards that finally broke through the Rewa defence with a push over try to Lock Seniasi Batilewena, easily converted by Takirua that sent their fans into a frenzy of cheering and dancing drowning out the jeers of the Rewan supporters. 

Digicel Fiji 7s rep and Namosi Inside Centre Lepani Botia proved to be a thorn in the Rewan side as he broke through a flat footed Rewan defence and set up the second try for 
Openside Flanker Sakiusa Nadruku, and with Takirua converting the try, they comfortably led 17 - 3. 

The Namosi forwards were having a field day and with the advantage of being the heavier pack, they worked tirelessly at the Rewan defense until Tighthead Prop Viliame Rogose saw a gap and scored their third try. 

Rewa’s only response was another penalty kick to Vakatawakoro, but Takirua slotted in two more penalties for Namosi to extend their lead to 24 – 6 at the breather. 

Rewa tried to gain some composure in the second half, but unforced errors and wrong decisions saw the Namosi side score three more tries to Ilai Tinai, Leo Naikasau and Atunaisa Maiono. 

The physically hard fought match brought out the frustration in both sides which saw Namosi’s Lepani Botia and Rewa’s Jone Vodowaqavuka both red carded for trading punches. 

Rewa desperately tried every trick in the book to break through but the determined Namosi side held them off to finally win the GP Promotions Relegation match 43 – 6. 

Namosi Coach, Timoci Wainiqolo was speechless after the win, saying that he was very proud of the boys and were thankful to the supporters. 

“The boys played hard today and I am really proud of them, because Rewa has been in the major union competition for three years, so they had the advantage of experience in their side”. 

“But it was good defense, ball retention and team work that helped Namosi win today and I am thankful to the Tui Namosi and the Vanua of Namosi for the support that they have given to the boys in their preparations and also today”. 

He added that their inclusion into the major union competition would mean that they would have to work harder. 

“We may be celebrating today, but come tomorrow, its back to the drawing board to iron out our mistakes because next year we will be up against bigger teams, like Nadroga and 
Naitasiri who have the advantage of experience over our young side”. 

Rewa will now be relegated to the B Division while Namosi moves up to the major union competition.