Nasilasila shines

Former Fijian 7s star helps Stallions retain Farebrother, avenge loss by Suva.

Nadroga first five-eight Amenoni Nasilasila was the hero of their 24-13 win over Suva to retain the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy at Prince Charles Park, Nadi yesterday.

The former Fiji Airways Fijian 7s playmaker scored 14 points in win. The Namatakula native kicked four penalties and one conversion.

What happened:

The Esala Nauga coached- BLK Nadroga were trailing 3-0 during the 5th minute of the game. Suva fullback Enele Malele converted a penalty for the early lead. In the 12th minute the challengers extended their lead to 8-0 after winger Misaele Petero ran in their first try after a gap was created by first five-eight Jone Manu. The conversion attempt from Malele went wide

In the 18th minute, Suva halfback Leone Nawai was caught off-side and Nasilasila kicked it over to narrow the deficit to 8-3.

In the 26th minute veteran Nadorga loose forward Rupeni Nasiga scored their first try on the corner with the conversion missing as scores were tied at 8-8.

In the 36th minute Nawai copped a yellow card and Suva were playing with 14-men.

Halftime: Nadroga 8-8 Suva.

In the 42nd minute Petero again ran in his second try for Suva as they took the lead 13-8.

Then it was all Nadroga as they

hit back with a Nasilasila penalty in the 46th minute to narrow the gap 13-11.

In the 55th minute Nasilasila punished Suva with another penalty as they led for the first time 14-13.

The Stallions extended their lead in the 61st minute from a Rusiate Nasove try with Nasilasila landing the conversion for a 21-13 lead. In the 67th minute replacement Suva lock Filimoni Seru was penalised for a professional foul on Nasilasila.

The plucky playmaker stood up and made no mistake with the conversion to hand them a handy 24-13 lead. Comments: Nadroga co-skipper Rupeni Nasiga said: “It’s just hard work that paid off today. Those two weeks we were training hard. “I thank the boys for coming up on the combinations that gave us the victory over Suva.

“It’s not about revenge, it’s just another game of rugby and it was good game.” Suva captain Peni Raidre said: “We trained for it. It is about intensity. We started well but Nadroga came back.

“This kind of team when you give them the opportunity they make use of it. That’s rugby and we are still learning.”

–Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Photo: Waisea Nasokia Amenoni Nasilasila (with ball) of Nadroga leads the charge against Suva during the Farebrother Sullivan challenge match at Nadi’s Prince Charles Park on July 20, 2019. Nadroga won 24-13. Lautoka is the next challenger.

Photo: Waisea Nasokia From left: Nadroga rugby captain Joeli Lutumailagi receives the Farebrother Trophy from Fiji Rugby Union board chairman Francis Kean at Prince Charles Park, Nadi on July 20, 2019.