Northland triumphs
Northland walloped the Ram Samisponsored Nasinu side 24-5 in the Vodafone Vanua Championship opener at Marcellin School ground in Suva yesterday.
What happened: Northland started strongly and dominated possession as Nasinu were simply outplayed. The visitors took the lead when Jese Tubunavanua scored a try which was converted by Ilime Leiloma. Nasinu continued to commit silly mistakes as they allowed Northland’s Leiloma to kick over a penalty and extended the lead to 10-0. Northland’s Iliesa Ratuva and Tubunavanua were sinned-binned just before half time.
Halftime: Nasinu 0-10 Northland. Northland upped the tempo as they scored tries to Emori Logavatu and Kalisito Yalimai with Leiloma conversions going over for a 24-0 lead.
Indiscipline reared its ugly head when Northland’s Inia Suka was red-carded for dangerous play which gave Nasinu the chance to regroup and scored their lone try through Aloesi Bera.
Comments: Northland manager Joeli Rabuli said:
“Discipline was our weak area today we had three yellow cards and one red card. Another area is our consistency, which should not have happened.”
Nasinu coach Seremaia Bai said: “I’m happy with the way the players maintained their discipline on the field but now we have to move fast, accept the loss and work towards the next round.