Naitasiri defeat Lautoka 23-16 11 May, 2012

Action from the match between Naitasiri and Lautoka at Albert Park, Suva.

Digicel Cup Round 6 – Friday 11 May, 2012
Albert Park, Suva

Naitasiri 23 (11)
Tries: John Stewart, Jese Cirikisuva, Nasoni Roko | Conversions: Kolinio Vunaki | Penalties: Kolinio Vunaki (2)
Lautoka 16 (9)
Try: Taniela Ratu | Conversion: Taniela Rawaqa | Penalty: Taniela Rawaqa (3)

Referee – Napolioni Locoloco

Digicel Cup competition leaders Lautoka lost their second game of the season this evening at a wet and muddy Albert Park going down to Naitasiri by 23-16. 

Naitasiri’s inside centre John Stewart drew first blood, when a fumbled Lautoka ball was scooped up by Stewart who slid beneath some desperate Lautoka defense to score. Kolinio Vunaki’s conversion was unsuccessful. 

Lautoka responded with a penalty to full back Taniela Rawaqa three minutes later. But unforced errors saw the Sugar City player giving away two penalties that Vunaki was able to capitalize on. 

Without the services of their usual captain and lock forward Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, who flew out to New Zealand earlier in the day, the Highlanders attempted to play the running game but instead gave away two penalties, which Rawaqa gratefully accounted for, to leave the game finely balanced at half time, 11 – 9 to Naitasiri. 

The Jioji Rinakama side opened the second half in the best possible fashion when Stewart kicked the ball from the half way mark and chased it down the centre of the field, catching the Lautoka defense off guard; he scooped up the ball and off loaded it to number eight Jese Cirikisuva who dived over to score. 

Vunaki’s conversion gave Naitasiri an 18-9 lead. 

Naitasiri replacement back Iliesa Matanisiga then found Nasoni Roko in space and the former Digicel Fiji 7s star needed no further invitation to find the try line. 

However Lautoka’s persistence was eventually rewarded when Lock Taione Ratu scored on 37 minutes. Rawaqa’s conversion ensured Lautoka claimed the bonus point despite losing the match. 

NAITASIRI
1. Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Samu Suguturaga, 3. Veresi Daku, 4. Sairusi Kadi,5. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 6. Ratu Inoke Tuisese,7. Sireli Kaloucava,8. Jese Cirikisuva, 9. Kolinio Vunaki, 10. Anare Vakawaletabua, 11. Nasoni Roko, 12. John Stewart, 13. NacanI Wakaya, 14. Paula Tiko, 15. Temesio Roko, 16. Dan Ligairi, 17. Waisea Daveta, 18. Necani Nawaqadau, 19. Api Naikatini, 20. Iliesa Matanisiga, 21. Vilikesa Qio, 22. Eremodo Elasio 

LAUTOKA
1. Kalivati Tawake, 2. Viliame Nabiau, 3. Peniona Ranitu, 4. Epeli Raganiva, 5. Taione Ratu,6. Tevita Tabalailai, 7. Apakuki Vuaviri, 8. Nemia Soqeta, 9. Waisale Vatuvoka, 10. Setariki Koroivualiku, 11. Iliavi Satala, 12. Setariki Ritova, 13. Iliesa Salusalu, 14. Jerry Tuilevu, 15. Taniela Rawaqa, 16. Viliame Satala, 17. Jone Lesikilakeba, 18. Timoci Vuadreu, 19. Anasa Vasukiwai, 20. Watisoni Votu, 21. Panapasa Namoko, 22. Alipate Ciba