PACIFIC RUGBY CUP RESULTS
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PACIFIC RUGBY CUP RESULTS
Nadroga too good for Tailevu 17-7
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| (L-R) Mitieli Nacagilevu and Paula Karatu combined to almost score in the first minute of the game. |
Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka
MRecht Outrigger on the Lagoon Nadroga 17 (10)
Tries: Seru Cakobau, Aca Ratuva Con: Mitieli Nacagilevu (2) Pen: Mitieli Nacagilevu
YC: Nemani Nagusa
Tailevu 7 (7)
Try: Nemani Kenatale Con: Isoa Uluikavoro
YC: Alipate Naqaya, Remesio Ravuiwasa
Referee: Samuela Tuidraki
Kick Off: 3:30 PM
Conditions: Warm and sunny
Crowd: 3500
Nadroga made almost the perfect start to their fourth defense of the BSP Farebrother-Sullivan trophy as Paula Karatu and Mitieli Nacagilevu combined to get across the Tailevu goal line in the first minute of play. However referee Sam Tuidraki was on the spot to rule Nacagilevu had knocked on as he attempted to place the ball.
In the fifth minute Tailevu flyhalf Isoa Uluikavoro attempted an ambitious penalty from 48 metres out which fell well short. An Uluikavoro drop goal a minute later fared no better but the green and golds, led by veteran centre Epeli Ruivadra, were proving they were more than up to the challenge as they had the Stallions working overtime in defense.
In the 12th minute concerted pressure soon paid off for the visitors as scrumhalf Nemia Kenatale forced the knock on from his opposite number Emosi Vucago to win an attacking scrum five metres from Nadroga’s goal line. Kenatale then showed a good turn of pace from the base of the scrum as he beat the Nadroga blindside defense to score. Uluikavoro made no mistake with the conversion as Tailevu found themselves 7-nil ahead.
Missing a host of their first choice players things were looking ominous for the champions as Tailevu attempted to press home their advantage with lock Aca Naituivau and flyhalf Uluikavoro making a number of telling breaks.
In the 16th minute Nacagilevu got the champions on the scoreboard with a penalty, though Uluikavoro should have had Tailevu back out to a 7 point lead in the 20th minute when he missed a relatively easy penalty.
Late in the half Nadroga began to stamp their authority on the game as, ironically perhaps, Ratu Seru Cakobau (a name synonymous with the province of Tailevu) claimed Nadroga’s first try after a forward rush. Nacagilevu converted to push the champions out to a 10-7 lead which they took into the breather.
After the break it was Tailevu who almost claimed the first try of the second half as flanker Jone Cakaunitabua was bundled into touch over the corner flag in a try saving tackle from Vucago.
It was about as close as Tailevu came for the remainder of the afternoon as Nadroga put up an impenetrable defensive shield ably led by flanker Aca Ratuva who seemed to be in the middle of almost every exchange. So it was just reward for the former Agen player when in the 60th minute he claimed a try for himself under the posts. Once again Nacagilevu made no mistake with the conversion as Nadroga took a commanding 17-7 lead.
After Ratuva’s score the Stallions seemed content on just defending their lead and with Tailevu tiring quickly there was to be no further addition to the score line as the game ended 17-7, and Nadroga holding on to the BSP Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy for the fourth consecutive weekend.
Next Saturday see’s the visit of the men from the Sugar City – Lautoka.
Nadroga
1.Tiko Matawalu (c), 2.Seru Cakobau, 3.Penijamini Makutu, 4.Rupeni Nasiga, 5.Saimoni Vunilagi, 6.Aca Ratuva, 7.Semesa Gonevou, 8.Nemani Nagusa, 9.Emosi Vucago, 10.Mitieli Nacagilevu, 11.Sakiusa Gavidi, 12.Paula Karatu, 13.Joeli Lutumailagi, 14.Maikeli Mocetadra, 15.Josaia Lotawa
Reserves
16.Peni Ravai, 17.Sisa Naqasima, 18.Inia Tukere, 19.Apisai Navora, 20.Seveci Taka, 21.Epi Naioko, 22.Isoa Neivua
Tailevu
1.Remesio Ravuiwasa, 2.Rosivela Toutou, 3.Samuela Newa, 4.Aca Naituivau, 5.Sefanaia Magimagi, 6.Vilikesa Gasaudrau, 7.Jone Cakaunitabua, 8.Esiria Vueti, 9.Nemia Kenatale, 10.Isoa Uluikavoro, 11.Eneri Kuru, 12.Epeli Ruivadra (c), 13.Alipate Naqaya, 14.Luke Koroi, 15.Aisea Druma
Reserves
16.Samisoni Rakabu, 17.Jone Naulumatua, 18.Apisai Leawere, 19.Saula Radidi, 20.Ravai Fatiaki, 21.Tomasi Sivo, 22.Varani Komaisavai
MAN OF THE MATCH:
NEMANI NAGUSA (Number 8 – Nadroga) – Mobile number eight who made a number of telling breaks as well as being very solid in defense.
Earlier Results
