Malolo Edge Namosi
Alate surge by Namosi was not enough as Malolo recovered from their first round loss to Suva to edge the visitors 23-20 in their Skipper Cup Premiership match at Lautoka’s Churchill Park yesterday. A penalty to Malolo late into the second spell was converted by fullback Timoci Tavuto. That was enough to break the deadlock and give his side the win. Namosi was given a chance to equalise with a minute remaining with a penalty, but rather than attempt the kick they opted to kick for touch and lost the ensuing lineout throw.
What happened:
This was a game of two halves and Malolo stamped their mark on the match within 44 seconds when halfback Joseva Kuricuva put their side up 3-0 with a drop goal. Namosi replied with an unconverted try to number eight Sakiusa Nadruku to lead 5-3 in the 5th minute. However, Malolo replied with tries to flanker Epeli Turukawa (12th minute) and tighthead prop Atunaisa Uluimoala with first fveeighth Peni Vukayawa adding a conversion and penalty for Malolo to lead 20-5 at halftime.
The second spell was predominantly dominated by Namosi as they used their big forwards to drive wedges into the Malolo defence.
Their hard work earned them a try to Maiono, which was not converted.
Four minutes later Namosi winger Aisake Batikadi scored near the corner with the visitors closing the gap 20-15. Four minutes from fulltime, after some strong scrummaging, Namosi was rewarded with a second try to Nadruku and their chance to lead was thwarted by Malolo who charged down the conversion from near the uprights. The penalty to Tavuto was the difference that sealed Malolo’s win.
Big play:
No.8 John Dyer was the mainstay of the Malolo team, with his blockbusting runs and numerous steals in the rucks.
Comments:
Namosi coach Akuila Nasi said playing catch-up rugby would not