CLEAN SWEEP
Nadi break 10-year jinx as they win Skipper Cup opener against Stallions
The Jack’s Nadi rugby team ended their 10-year winless drought with a 13-5 win over BLK Nadroga in the Skipper Cup Premiership opener at Prince Charles Park, Nadi. Jubilant Nadi coach Savenaca Aria said this was made possible through the development of a group of young players in the squad.
“The win means a lot for our young players,” the former national rugby star centre said.
It was a clean sweep for Nadi Rugby when their Under-20 side walloped Nadroga 34-12 while the Nadi Women scored a 21-10 win over the Stallions.
What happened: Nadroga started strongly and scored the first try through lanky lock Sailosi Dawai in the 31st minute to lead 5-0.
Halftime: Nadroga 5 – 0 Nadi Backed by their vocal supporters Nadi came out with guns blazing as they pressured the Stallions. In the 55th minute,
Nadi scored their try through Jope Tavutuilagi, which was converted by Kavekini Varo as they held a 7-5 lead.
Nadroga buckled under pressure as they gave away silly penalties with Varo punishing them by converting two.
Big Play: Bone crunching tackles from Nadi outside centre Orisi Erenavula frustrated the Nadroga backline and he also combined well with winger Jerry Speight in their counter attacks.
Star turn: Varo’s accurate place kicks pinned Nadroga deep into their half and were pressured into mistakes by the rushing defence.
Comments: Nadroga manager Semi Cabenalotu said: “Indiscipline and failure to score points cost us the game.”