NASILASILA SHINES IN NADROGA’S FAREBROTHER WIN
BLK Nadroga rep Amenoni Nasilasila scores one of the team’s tries against Jack’s Nadi at Prince Charles Park on July 6, 2019. The former Fijian 7s player proved a handful for the Nadi side, exposing their weakness and firing up a big crowd who turned up to watch the season’s second Farebrother Trophy challenge match. Nadroga won 20-3. Nadroga will now take on Suva this Friday at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. No time has been confirmed yet.
Fullback Apisalome Waqatabu amassed a total of 15 points as the BLK Nadroga proved too strong in their 20-3 victory over Jack;s Nadi in the Farebrother Trophy challenge at a jam-packed Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday.
The Navidamu, Macuata native scored a try, kicked two penalties and two conversions in the 80 minutes of enterprising and exciting rugby displayed by the two Western giants. Witnessed by more than 9000 fans keen to watch Farebrother rugby in Nadi after a decade, some spectators who bought grandstand tickets had to sit on the aisle and on the grass patches in front of the AD Patel Stadium. Victorious Nadroga captain Rupeni Nasiga said the depth of experience in the side got them through.
“It has been three years that we haven’t had the trophy in our cabinet,”Nasiga said.
“We are happy to win. It is the experience that got us through. We thank a young Nadi side for giving us a tough match.”
He admitted the side were casual in the first half and the players were told to regroup and work harder at halftime.
“The support by fans was massive as there is a lot history in the Farebrother Trophy challenges between the two teams.”
What happened: Waqatabu registered the opener for the Stallions as the hosts were penalised in the ruck. He slotted the penalty in the 2nd minute for a 3-0 lead.
In the 18th minute Nadroga were penalised and first five eight Kavekini Varo kicked it over as jetsetters drew level 3-3.
Amenoni Nasilasila, Eremasi Radrodro and Joeli Lutumailagi were tough in defence for Nadroga.
In the 27th minute Nadi winger Tevita Mociu was sin-binned for an infringement and was followed four minutes later by Nadroga winger Levani Kurumudu. In the 36th minute Waqatabu darted over to score from a chip kick which he also converted.
Halftime: Nadroga 10-3 Nadi.
A disallowed try to Nadi early in the second half spelt doom for them
Also the introduction of fresh and impact players like prop Setefano Somoca, Apete Salawaqavuka, flanker Timoci Davu and first five eight Josese Kurokavu changed the dimension of the game for the Stallions.
Nadi were penalised in the 62nd minute and Waqatabu converted the penalty to extend their lead 13-3.
In the 71st minute Nasilasila beat the Nadi defence and dived to score with the conversion by Waqatabu sealing the win.
Comment: Nadi captain Jolame Luvevou said: “It was good and clean rugby. We tried our best. It was bad luck for Nadi and congratulations to Nadroga and the huge crowd that turned up.” Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj