Nasinu U20 triumph

The Nasinu Under-20 rugby side took out the Vodafone Vanua Championship U20 title after they walloped Serua 39-14 in the final at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday. The win saw them walk away with $5000 prizemoney.

What happened: Nasinu’s Waisake Ravuiwasa broke through the Serua defence to score the first try in the 10th minute but was not converted, 5-0. It was not long after that Lekima Nasamila extended Nasinu’s lead to 12-0 with a try that was converted.

This jolted the Serua side as they replied with a Sunia Matanisiga try which was converted to narrow the deficit 12-7. A determined Serua side piled on the pressure and scored their second try right on halftime with the conversion saw them take a 14-12 lead.

Halftime: Nasinu 12-14 Serua. It was all Nasinu in the second spell. The side consisted of players from the Lelean Memorial School U19 team as they scored four tries, two to Lemeki Lewenivecena, a try each to Waisake Baleiwai and flanker Samuela Rasavulaca. Comments: Nasinu U20 coach

Masi Saqanavere said: “The Nasinu Rugby Union was recently formed and we brought in some members of the Lelean Memorial School academy last year to help build up our squad.

“There were lots of challenges but I believe it was because of team unity that we won.

“We have never met Serua before, I told the boys to hold on in the first half and give their all in the second half.” Serua U20 coach Lenaitasi Taukeisalili said: “Though we lost, I’m proud that we were one of the Serua teams that have reached the finals.

“What the boys achieved here today is something that they will always cherish with them.”

The side consisted of players from the Lelean Memorial School U19 team as they scored four tries.