Nadroga's Rupeni Nasiga (4) claims the ball in the line against Northland.

Nadroga began their second defense of the BSP Farebrother-Sullivan trophy in resolute fashion as their forwards dominated upfront while their backs took every opportunity to penetrate the Northland defense, with inside centre Josaia Lotawa in particular proving particularly difficult for Northland to handle.

Nadroga got the scoreboard ticking in the 14^th minute when Setefano Somoca went over, though referee James Bolabiu had to go to the television match official (TMO), Talemo Waqa, to confirm the score. The first time in Fiji a television match official has been used.

Moments later Waqa was asked the question again by Bolabiu as Nadroga’s Semesa Gonevou looked to have scored. However replays showed the ball had been knocked on over the line.

The Stallions continued to dominate play with their forwards shunting Northland around the park and Aca Ratuva and Rupeni Nasiga particularly disruptive. Though Northland’s giant lock Benedito Rokobaleni showed good strength and looks a very promising prospect.

Nadroga soon turned their dominance into points once again when Etonia Naba muscled his way over to score despite being tackled short of the line. Hi momentum getting him over the line.

Northland’s only response in the first half were two Josefata Bola penalties from three attempts.

But like in their previous two games Nadroga’s performance abruptly went downhill in the second half as Northland defended with real tenacity. The Stallions continued to dominate territory and possession but poor finishing and indiscipline let them down with Bola claiming two more penalties for the visitors to tie the game up.

With eight minutes remaining Bola had the opportunity to win the game for the visitors with an ambitious attempt from five metres in front of the halfway. The attempt went wide and Nadroga survived to fight for another weekend as the game ended all square.

The rules dictate any drawn game means the holders retain the trophy. 

Next up for Nadroga is Suva next Saturday.

Nadroga
1.Tiko Matawalu (c), 2.Seremaia Naureure, 3.Setefano Somoca, 4.Rupeni Nasiga, 5.Iliesa Ratuva, 6.Aca Ratuva, 7.Semesa Gonevou, 8.Etonia Naba, 9.Seveci Taka, 10.Mitieli Nacagilevu, 11.Sakiusa Navaka, 12.Josaia Lotawa, 13.Sakiusa Gavidi, 14.Maikeli Mocetadra, 15.Aisea Natoga
Reserves 
16.Seru Cakobau, 17.Sisa Naqasima, 18.Apisai Navora, 19.Jack Volavola, 20.Epeli Kalou, 21.Paula Karatu, 22.Epi Neioko

Northland
1.Banuve Dretiverata, 2.Sireli Ledua, 3.Josua Kaloutani, 4.Benedito Rokobaleni, 5.Semi Saulaki, 6.Akariva Tiniciwaciwa, 7.Rosa Raravisa, 8.Adriu Durutalo (c), 9.Semi Votea, 10.Velavatu Rabuku, 11.Eroni Vasiteri, 12.Sitiveni Turagaiviu, 13.Isake Katonibau, 14.David Batiratu, 15.Josefata Bola
Reserves
16.Jofiliti Fotofili, 17.Bogivitu Gauna, 18.Josateki Labalaba, 19.Jimilai Turaga, 20.Sailasa Vasua, 21.Maikali Vasole, 22.Panapasa Rokociri

MAN OF THE MATCH:
SEVECI TAKA (Scrumhalf – Nadroga) – The former national srumhalf looks to be returning to his form of old. Controlled play well from the base of the scrum and was accurate with his passing.