Maroons get Farebrother chance
The Ifereimi Rawaqa-coached ICON Lautoka Maroon qualified for the first time for the Farebrother Trophy since 2003. This is after the side came from behind to upset Yasawa 24-21 in the Bainimarama Shield Challenge at Churchill Park, Lautoka, yesterday.
What happened: It was Yasawa who had to take the blame for the loss at full-time. They committed a lot of mistakes, which gifted the Maroons the edge.
In the last five minutes of injury time, Yasawa illegally collapsed the scrum and referee Aisake Drekeni awarded a penalty try.
They broke the hearts of the Marlins, who were leading 21-17. Yasawa took the lead through two penalty kicks to Jovesa Vaitaukula. Prop Joape Masitabua scored a try and converted by Veitaukula to lead 13-0. In the 35-minute winger Ron Kurulase scored, converted by centre Peniasi Vuniyayawa to trail 13-7 at half-time.
In the 46-minute Veitaukula extended the lead 16-7. Ten minutes later prop Temesia Balavucu scored and converted by Vuniyayawa 16-14. In the 66th minute Vuniyayawa kicked a penalty for the Maroons to lead for the first time 17-16. Two minutes later hooker Maikeli Sivo came off the bench to block a clearing kick from the 22-metre to race to the tryline.
Lautoka manager Jese Gade said: We were down at half-time, but were optimistic. The boys played their hearts out to win in the end. Yasawa captain Nasau Lovonawaqe said: “We played our hearts out. That’s rugby and we hope to come back firing next year.”