BIG UPSET
Winger Vinaya Habosi scores a try for Namosi against Nadroga in the corner during the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy challenge at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, on August 1, 2020.
The Suva rugby team edged out Yasawa Marlins 10-3 in their Skipper Cup clash at the ANZ Stadium, Suva yesterday.
Yasawa tried to create an upset in the dying moments of the game but the Suva defence stood tall. Veteran Suva hooker Sireli Ledua said Yasawa have themselves in the major union.
“They came out firing this year,” he said.
“Yasawa really played well for the whole 80 minutes. For our Suva side, we filled in our young players and those that did not play last week.
“Our plan this year, is to let everyone play and improve on our discipline before face Nadi next week.”
What happened: Both teams started off strongly and were looking to take an early advantage.
The visitors took a 3-0 lead when first five eighth, Napolioni Bolaca booted over a penalty.
Bolaca’s tactical kicking had Suva backpedalling deep into their territory.
In the 15th minute Suva lock Sorovakatini Tuifagalele got a yellow card for a high tackle on Bolaca. With a man down, Ledua scored Suva’s first try from a lineout drive and was not converted by Jeke Suguturaga.
Halftime: Suva 5-3 Yasawa.
Several attempts by Suva to score from a scrum failed as Yasawa kept them at bay.
However, Suva winger Keponi Paul scored Suva’s second try after he was back from the bin for a 10-3 lead.
Comments: Yasawa coach Suliasi Ratu said: “It was a good game against Suva. We have learnt a lot from it.”
LINE-UP
Suva- 1. Apisai Vatubuli, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Ananaia Rabonu, 4. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, 5. Manoa Tamaya, 6. Manueli Laqai, 7. Tevita Sadrugu, 8. Tikiko Usumaki, 9. Joseva Vesikara, 10. Jone Manu, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. John Stewart, 13. Elia Ratucove, 14. Keponi Paul, 15. Jeke Suguturaga.
Yasawa: 1. Sailosi Sekitoga, 2. Moape Wara, 3. Osea Sadrau, 4. Brian Duaibe, 5. Rusiate Waqa, 6. Joni Baleidama, 7. Timoci Ratu, 8. Metuisela Laba, 9. Luke Davui, 10. Napolioni Ratu, 11. Inia Rokomatu, 12. Semi Ratudradra, 13. Eliki Naikusa, 14. Aminiasi Yaroi, 15. Rusiate Matai.