Naitasiri overcome gallant Vatukoula
BLK Naitasiri overcame a spirited Pacific Energy Vatukoula side to win 20-11 at Theodore Park, Vatukoula yesterday. What happened: The match was a thriller and one of the best matches seen in the Skipper Cup competition.
Naitasiri relied on their heavy forwards to dominate upfront while the home side played some open rugby. While the Naitasiri forwards proved the match winner, Vatukoula lost some vital procession during critical stages of the match which could have made the score interesting at the end. Vatukoula open side flanker Timoci Ratu was perhaps the man of the match with his block busting runs which at times caught the Naitasiri forwards off guard. Naitasiri fullback Lekima Nasedra opened the scoring in the 3rd minute after Vatukoula did not release in the tackle. Vatukoula halfback Emori Waqa equalised before Naitasiri hooker Seremaia Naureure scored in the corner after his side displayed their power upfront with some pick and drives. Nasedra converted for Natasiri to lead 10-3. The Naitasiri halfback stretched the lead with a try before halftime after he darted around the side of the ruck from five metres out for his side to go into the breather with a 15-3 lead.
Halftime: Ratu brought the scores closer with a try for both sides to go to the break with Naitasiri leading 15-8.
Naitasiri lock Jovesa Tanikorolevu stretched the lead further after the break with an unconverted to take Naitasiri ahead 20-8. Waqa pulled the scores back with a penalty before fulltime to bring the score to 20-11.
Big play: Naitasiri’s powerhouse forwards and the fleet footed backline of Vatukoula. Comments Naitasiri coach, Reverend Jioji Rinakama said his players made some wrong decisions. “My players took some wrong options and our plan to come here and get a bonus point win fell apart.” Vatukoula coach Nemani Baleinaceva said his players did not play to their game plan. “We wanted to open the play but by the time they did it in the second half it was too late.” Edited by Leone Cabenatabua