Tailevu v Vatukoula - a line-out in the mud.

Digicel Cup Round 4 – Saturday 21 April, 2012
Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori

Tailevu 26 (13)
Tries: Jaoji Dakuvula, Manasa Tuidraki (2) | Conversions: Jaoji Dakuvula | Penalties: Jaoji Dakuvula (3) | Yellow Card: Mosese Sela 
Vatukoula 13 (10)
Try: Jone Lesi | Conversion: Senivalati Kenatale | Penalty: Senivalati Kenatale | Yellow Card: Manoa Natorogia

Referee – James Bolabiu 

Tebara Buses Digicel Tailevu put on a sterling performance in the Nausori mud to prove they deserved to be at the summit of the Digicel Cup standings as they defeated Western visitors Vatukoula 26-13. 

Tailevu started slowly as Vatukoula’s Jone Lesi slid in between the posts to score the first try of the game on 11 minutes. 

It was a tough and physical affair as the two teams traded a series of brutal first half tackles which left many initially wondering if Tailevu had finally met their match in a Vatukoual team coached by former Naitasiri strongman Senirusi Seruvakula. 

However the hosts finally found their footing in the sludge and responded to Vatukoula’s opening score with a try of their own on 30 minutes. 

Such was the abrasive nature of the match that both teams were a man down just prior to the breather with Tailevu prop Mosese Sela and Vatukoula’s Manoa Natorogia taking an extended break in the sin bin. 

However neither team could draw any advantage form the other’s indiscretion as Tailevu reached halftime with a slender 13-10 lead. 

Some stern words from Tailevu coach Lance Whippy seemed to shake the hosts from their slow start as a penalty followed by a Manasa Tuidraki try put the men in green firmly in control of the match. 

In the end Tailevu kept their unbeaten start to the season with a comprehensive 26-13 win. 

With the win under their belt Tailevu now look north to a mouthwatering clash against their provincial brethren Northland in a clash which is likely to end the unbeaten start to the season of one of the Tailevu sides. 

In other results the Tailevu Under 20 side defeated Vatukoula 17 – 3. 

Full results:

TAILEVU v VATUKOULA
Ratu Cakobau Park

U20
Tailevu 17 (17)
Tries – Elia Ratuvore (2) | Con – Emori Waqa, Tikilau Vuibau | Pen – Emori Waqa | RC – Esekia Waqaivavana
Vatukoula 3 (3)
Pen – Samisoni Seru | YC – Johnny Dyer, Sueli Vunidilo 

==========

OVALAU v SUVA
Nasau Park 

Seniors
Ovalau 7 (7)
Try – Samu Kinikinilau | Con – Inoke Ligatukana | YC – Viliame Rokogu
Suva 26 (7)
Tries – Alipate Mataivelia, Napolioni Naulia, Vilitati Sokiveta (2) | Con – Kaminieli Neiqisa (2), Emosi Mulevoro 

==========

MACUATA v LAUTOKA
Subrail Park

Seniors
Macuata 6 (6)
Pen – Waisea Vocea (2) | YC – Rupeni George, Meli Vula
Lautoka 40 (11)
Pen – Setareki Koroilagilagi (2) | Tries – Kelemedi Bola, Apakuki Vuaviri, Timoci Vuadreu, Mitieli Kalou, Alipate Ciba, Vili Satala Jnr | Con – Setareki Koroilagilagi (2) 

==========

REWA v NAITASIRI
Burebasaga School Grounds

U20
Game was awarded to Naitasiri as a few Rewa players did not produce valid ID. 

Seniors
Rewa 11 (3)
Try – Jo Tukana | Pen – Netani Siga (2)
Naitasiri 27 (10)
Tries – John Stewart (2), Nasoni Roko | Con – Kolinio Vunaki (3) | Pen – Kolinio Vunaki (2) 

========== 

NORTHLAND v NADI
Gatward Park 

U20
Northland 10 (0)
Tries – Usaia Tabuvou, Sunia Tamani
Nadi 10 (10)
Tries – Maika Tora, Filipe Nakisi | YC – Nicholas Veretaka

Seniors
Northland 25 (5)
Tries – Petero Nodrakoro, Waisake Tamani, Akariva Tuiciwaciwa | Con – Josevata Bola (2) | Pen – Josevata Bola (2) | YC – Semi Saulaki, Orisi Qilia
Nadi 10 (10)
Pen – Kelemedi Vusoga | Try – Viliame Ratuate | Con – Kelemedi Vusoga | YC – Viliame Ratuate 

==========