Chief Inspires Namosi to Victory
Tui Namosi Ratu Suliani Matanitobua said the province is totally behind the team after they beat Naitasiri 17-15 at Thomson Park, Navua yesterday. Speaking to SUNsports, Ratu Suliano said retaining the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy was a sweet one.
“We are one family apart from the game and we are also one with the Naitasiri team,” he said. “I reminded the players of how important this game is for us and how we are closely related with Naitasiri.
“This win is special because we have worked hard for it and winning against our brothers from Naitasiri is a privilege.”
Ratu Suliano said there were a lot of sacrifices made.
“We are 100 per cent behind the team and they (players) know that we believe in them.”
What happened: The game lit up with Naitasiri dominating the scrum with a try in the 4th minute to hooker Seremaia Naureure with Kini Douglas converting for a 7-0 lead.
Namosi replied with a try to Apakuki Vuaviri in the 10th minute of play to narrow the deficit 7-5. Namosi then settled down later in the dying stages of the first half and prop Atu Maiono crashed over the Naitasiri defense to score their second try with the conversion from Josaia Vunisa to lead at halftime.
Halftime: Namosi 12-7 Naitasiri At the start of the second half the visitors got a penalty with fullback Onisivoro Dakaira converting to make it 10-12.
Naitasiri backline came alive with playmaker Livai Ikanikoda setting up Tomasi Vula to score a try as they regained the lead 15-12. Namosi hit back immediately through Alipate Waidilo’s try to lead 17-15.