HOW NAMOSI DID IT

Maroons next challenge on August 22

Veteran Lautoka first fiveeighth Waisea Luveniyali showed his class as he steered the Maroons to a 14-12 win over Yasawa Marlins in the Skipper Cup clash on Friday night. The win saw Lautoka hoist the Saimoni Naivalu Trophy that was also at stake.

The former Flying Fijian kept his cool and kicked over two conversions that mattered the most at the sound of the final whistle.

What happened: It was a heated start as both teams came out strongly at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, trying to secure their first Skipper Cup win.

In the 42nd minute Yasawa took the lead when nippy fullback

Napolioni Ratu scored a try with Seru Ratudradra’s conversion making it 7-0.

This gave Yasawa the upper hand as they dominated possession before Josevata Vetaukula scored their second try while the conversion from Ratu went wide.

Halftime: Yasawa 12 – 0 Lautoka. After strong pep talk the Maroons came out firing with fullback Nasiasi Moala scoring their first try in the 42nd minute. Luveniyali made no mistake with the conversion as they trailed 12-7. Backed by their vocal supporters Yasawa came back strongly but the Lautoka defence stood tall.

Luveniyali controlled play with his tactical kicking that pushed Yasawa back time and again. It was in the 78th minute when Lautoka lock Sikeli Nasilasila crashed over for their second try from a forward move.

Luveniyali added the extras from the conversion as they ran away with a 14-12 win.

Star turn: Moala’s try right at the start of the second half brought Lautoka back to the game.

Big play: Ratu, the livewire Yasawa fullback, dictated almost all their moves.

The Fijian 7s playmaker was a thorn in the Lautoka defence. He combined well with sevens teammate Kalione Nasoko who came in as a substitute in the second half.

Comment: Lautoka captain Ilaisa Leca said: “We thank Yasawa for the tough game.

“I’m grateful to the players for winning our first Skipper game and also to our supporters for backing us all the time.”

LINE-UP

Yasawa: Sailosi Sekitoga, Moape Wara, Osea Sadrau, Brian Duaibe, Rusiate Waqa, Eparama Ravi, Timoci Ratu, Joni Baleidama, Like Gavidi, Joseva Vetaukula, Inia Rokomatu, Seru Ratudradra, Eliki Naikusa, Rusiate Matai, Napolioni Ratu.

Lautoka: Isoa Vasukilulu, Ilaisa Leca, Samu Suguturaga, Epeli Radaniva, Agavito Sauvakarua, Sairusi Rokomotutu, Malakai Qase, Akuila Saukuru, Samisoni Ravudi, Waisea Luveniyali, Timoci Daurua, Vatiliai Tuisabeto, Jona Sawailau, Inoke Tavai, Nasiasi Moala.

Photo: Ronald Kumar NAmosI vICtorIous AFtEr rEtAInInG tHE FArEBrotHEr TropHy 17-15 AGAInst NAItAsIrI At THomson PArk In NAvuA on AuGust 8, 2020.

Photo: Ronald Kumar. It’s a try...NAmosI’s LEpAnI RAIyAlA Confirms tHEIr sEConD try AGAInst NAItAsIrI.

Photo: Try Time... Naitasiri Women’s rugby rep Me Navue looks to the referee after scoring their first try against Namosi during the Skipper Cup clash at Thomson Park, Navua on August 8, 2020. Naitasiri won 33-10 but coach Elenoa Kunatuba was not happy with the ground conditions as they now turn their focus on Nadroga.

Photo: Mereleki Nai Lautoka men’s rugby players, officials and supporters after their 14-12 Skipper Cup win over the Yasawa Marlins at Prince Charles Park, Nadi on August 7, 2020.