Fiji Sun

Kurokava seals win for Nadroga over Suva

- WAISEA NASOKIA Star turn: Edited by Naisa Koroi

The Esala Nauga-coached BLK Nadroga side edged Suva 28-26 in the Skipper Cup Premiershi­p round two at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, yesterday.

What happened:

It was a close encounter between the two teams and it was decided in the dying minutes.

Suva first five-eight Meli Kurisaru had to take the blame for the loss after he deliberate­ly knocked the ball. Josese Kurikava kicked the penalty to book the Stallions their first win. Suva took the lead through a penalty to Kurisaru, 3-0.

The Stallions replied with a try to Viliame Bolalailai which was converted by Kurokavu, 7-3. Kurisaru and Kurokavu found the mark again with their boots, 10-6. Suva scored a try through Leveni Kurimudu which was converted and Kurisaru kicked a penalty. Halftime: Suva 16-10 Nadroga. Former national 7s rep Ulaiyasi Lawavou made his presence felt for the home side when he scored in the corner, 16-15.

Winger Setareki Raoba pulled one back for the capital side which was converted by Kurisaru who also kicked a penalty. Nadroga scored two tries to Timoci Sauvoli and Sanaila Nahuto.

Big play:

Sireli Ledua led his Suva team well. Lawavou played a good game for Nadroga.

Comments:

Nadroga captain Rupeni Nasiga said: “We are back in business but we have to improve our game. We made a lot of mistakes and Suva nearly beat us. We did not lose hope and Suva is a good team.”

Suva captain Sireli Ledua said: “It is unfortunat­e that we lost right at the death. It is learning curve.” In the other matches, Nadroga U20 defeated Suva 34-22 while the Suva women proved too strong for Nadroga winning 17-0.

 ?? Photo: Ronald Kumar ?? Skipper Cup rugby action between Suva and Nadroga at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on May 5, 2018.
Photo: Ronald Kumar Skipper Cup rugby action between Suva and Nadroga at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on May 5, 2018.

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