Welcome to Fiji Rugby Union - Pacific Rugby Cup Results

PACIFIC RUGBY CUP RESULTS

Macuata beat Namosi and earn promotion to 2011 Digicel Cup

Namosi scrumhalf Valerio Racika prepares to feed the ball into the scrum.

Saturday, 18 September 2010
Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka

Namosi 12 (7)
Tries: Waisea Nayacalevu, Lenaitasi Taukeisalili Con: Peni Ralagi
YC: Avenisa Vuidravuwalu

Macuata 13 (6)
Try: Eremasi Vakameau Con: Apisalome Waqatabu Pen: Ilikaya Tukana (2)
YC: Alipate Koli

Referee:Kaveni Talemaivalagi
Kick Off: 1:00 PM
Conditions: Warm and sunny
Crowd: 1000

Macuata will be back amongst the big boys next year after winning a thrilling promotion-relegation fixture against Namosi where the result was in doubt right up until the final moments of the game. In the end a lack of a decent goal kicker proved to be Namosi’s Achilles heel as they succumbed to their B Division rivals by 13 points to 12.

Indiscipline cost Namosi early on as two penalties from Ilikaya Tukana saw Macuata race away to a 6-nil lead. Namosi though struck back when impressive winger Waisea Nayacalevu came off his wing in support of his backs and latched on to a pass from Gaberieli Naitaka to score under the posts.

Namosi flyhalf Peni Ralagi made no mistake from in front as Namosi took the lead 6-7.

Moments before halftime Naitaka could have extended Namosi’s lead as he cut through some tame defense only to be let down by a lack of support with just one tackler to beat.

Macuata’s cause wasn’t helped when lock Alipate Koli was shown yellow by referee Kaveni Talemaivalagi.

Despite being a man down it was Macuata who had the better chances of the early exchanges during the second half. However missed penalty attempts from Ilikaya Tukana and Apisalome Waqatabu meant the Northerners were not able to convert the territory and possession advantage they enjoyed into points.

But when Namosi centre Avenisa Vuidravuwalu was yellow carded in the 23rd minute Macuata seized their opportunity as Namosi made a complete mix-up of a defensive scrum five metres from their own goal line, enabling scrumhalf Eremasi Vakameau to intercept a stray pass and sneak into the corner.

Waqatabu made no mistake from the corner as Macuata took the lead 13-7.

However Namosi hit right back after determined work from forwards Temo Vakaloloma and Seniyasi Senivau brought Namosi to the very edge of the Macuata goal line, eventually enabling prop Lenaitasi Taukeisalili to power his way over.

With the conversion almost directly in front the good money said Namosi would take the lead, however Ralagi missed and Macuata breathed a sigh of relief as they held on to a tenuous one point lead.

Namosi continued to pressure as they searched for a winning score and it looked as if they’d found it when they were awarded a penalty directly in front of the posts about 35 metres out and with only seconds remaining on the clock.

But to the amazement of just about everyone at the ground Namosi shunned the penalty attempt as a quick tap was taken. Macuata couldn’t believe their luck as Namosi then themselves infringed with referee Talemaivalagi awarding a relieving penalty to Macuata.

It proved to be the final act of the game as Macuata players and fans erupted in pure joy at the final whistle and the realization that next season they would be appearing in the Digicel Cup.

Namosi
1.Iokobo Nakavulevu (c), 2.Taitusa Tekiteki, 3.Sakiusa Lecia, 4.Seniyasi Senivau, 5.Jone Kunadei, 6.Vilivo Mudu, 7.Sitiveni Waqa, 8.Filipo Nariva, 9.Valerio Racika, 10.Peni Ralagi, 11.Waisea Nayacalevu, 12.Aporosa Toroca, 13.Avenisa Vuidravuwalu, 14.Gaberieli Naitaka, 15.David Bruce
Reserves
16.Arnold Tafo'ou, 17.Lenaitasi Taukeisalili, 18.Simione Mekemeke, 19.Adre Namalo, 20.Kami Uluidoviko, 21.Temo Vakaloloma, 22.Jimilai Waqanidrola

Macuata
1.Naelesoni Malipo, 2.Samuela Antonio, 3.Voreqe Bainimarama, 4.Ananaia Bulivou, 5.Alipate Koli, 6.Sunia Rusawaqa, 7.Ropate Napolioni, 8.Rupeni George, 9.Eremasi Vakameau, 10.Sakiusa Jako, 11.Apisalome Waqatabu (c), 12.Sevina Nanuku, 13.Orisi Cabeanatabua, 14.Marika Vakamelei, 15.Ilikaya Tukana
Reserves
16.Isikeli Ralulu, 17.Aritema Warua, 18.Nemani Biu, 19.Waisale Kurusaravi, 20.Isoa Rokobici, 21.Saimone Peka, 22.Isaia Kilikili

Earlier Results

2009

2008

2007

2006