The Stallions’ likely booked a home semi-final in their final Digicel pool game with a hard-fought 21-10 win on their home ground at Lawaqa Park on Friday.

The win gave the first-placed Nadroga 45 points, a temporary buffer of 10 points over the second-placed Nadi who play Namosi at Prince Charles Park on Saturday.

With 10 wins in 11 games, the Stallions are likely safe in first place.

The ever-improving former 7s forward Iliesa Ratuva scored two of the three tries for Nadroga, one in the first half and the other in the second to give them a three tries to one win.

Coach Joji Rinakama said great defensive work was where the game was won for Nadroga.

"The defensive effort was great," said Rinakama said. “I believe that was where the game was won and lost.”




Friday 29 August 2008
Nadroga 21 Lautoka 10
Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka
Digicel Cup Round 11
Half-time: 7-7
Referee: Samuela Tuidraki

NADROGA: 15 Neumi Vatoga (Emosi Vucago 42), 14 Maikeli Mocetadra, 13 Epeli Vuicuvu, 12 Jimi Mule, 11 Aisea Raitala, 10 Kaminieli Neiqisa (Jonetani Ralulu 48), 9 Seru Naqasima, 8 Iliesa Ratuva, 7 Semesa Gonevou (Manoa Tamaya 78), 6 Filipe Kuruvoli, 5 Sairusi Matava, 4 Samu Goneva (Josefa Nagata 64), 3 Apisai Turukawa (Niko Kororua 68), 2 Seremaia Naureure (Bill Gadolo 68), 1 Tiko Matawalu
Not used: Maika Koroi
Tries: Ratuva (2), Naqasima; Conversions: Neiqisa (2), Ralulu

LAUTOKA: 15 Mika Ratuvou, 14 Watekini Vunisa, 13 Eremasi Matamoka ( Bill Wilson 69), 12 Setariki Ritova, 11 Watisoni Votu (Taniela Naiceru 65), 10 Rusiate Rokotavo, 9 Marika Lasaqa, 8 Timoci Vuadreu (Orisi Elliot 73), 7 Jolame Bera (Soko Ratudradra 60), 6 Biu Rovala (Paulo Cata 75), 5 Joe Yalimaitoga (Apenisa Natabua 64), 4 Ifereimi Naruma, 3 Kalaveti Tawake (Sikeli Nasilasila 64), 2 Pauliasi Rokosuka, 1 Saiyasi Navunitale
Try: Lasaqa; Conversion: Rokotavo

Development XVs: Nadroga 21 Lautoka 12 (h-t 12-12)