Namosi Stun Champs
QAQA Namosi fullback Alivereti Veitokani kicked 16 points in the 26- 17 victory over BLK Nadroga in the Skipper Cup Premiership at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.
Veitokani kicked four penalties and two conversions in the upset win over the defending champions in round five.
This was Namosi’s second victory and gave the Stallions their second loss in the season.
What happened: The visitors crossed over for their first try in the 3rd minute to flanker Mosese Voka which was converted by former national 7s rep Veitokani, 7-0. Seven minutes later Nadroga replied with a try to blindside flanker Josefa Namalo, 7-5. In the 14th minute prop Setefano Somoca scored near the post for the Stallions to lead 10-7.
Four minutes later Veitokani levelled the scores with a penalty, 1010.
Ten minutes later Tuiba Batiratu was sin-binned for a high tackle. In the 32nd minute winger James Sinate ran from the embankment touchline side to dive over for a try which was converted by Veitokani, 17-10.
Veitokani extended the lead with another penalty, 20-10.
Halftime: Namosi 20-10 Nadroga. Veitokani kicked another penalty in the 45th minute to lead 23-10. In the 67th minute Voka was sinbinned. Eight minutes later flanker Sevuloni Tawake scored under the post which was converted by Lutumailagi 23-17. In the 79th minute Veitokani kicked another penalty to stretch the lead.
Big Play: Veitokani was on fire with his kicking.
Stat Turn: Flanker Sevuloni Tawake was tireless in the breakdown. Comments: Nadroga captain Rupeni Nasiga said, “Six of our players are in the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors squad but that’s not an excuse. Namosi did expose our mistakes and there are a lot of areas to work on.” Namosi coach Akuila Nasi said: “We needed this second victory and hats off to the boys for the grand display. We had to play full 80 minutes on their home turf.”
Namosi coach Akuila Nasi said, “We needed this second victory and hats off to the boys for the grand display. We had to play full 80 minutes on their home turf”