Naikasivo’s hat-trick seals Nadro’s fate
Ronald Kumar
Naitasiri Women’s rugby winger Amarita Nailasivo ran in three tries as they thrashed Nadroga 41-19 at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, yesterday.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Naitasiri coach Elenoa Kunatuba said their game plan worked.
“We worked on a different game plan knowing that Nadroga was going to be tough to beat at home,” said Kunatuba who is also the Tuvalu men’s national rugby coach.
happened: Hosts Nadroga started strongly and drew first blood in the 11th minute when first fiveeighth Ivamere Nabura scored an unconverted try to lead 5-0.
The visitors took their time as their forwards began to control play before they unleash their backline with fullback Matelita Tuilevuka diving over for their first try.
With the scored levelled at 5-5, Naitasiri
What
captalised on a Nadroga blunder as Amarita Naikasivo ran 60 metres untouched for their second try with the conversion missing.
Halftime
10-5.
Naitasiri came out firing at the start of the second half and scored in the 62nd minute through Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s captain Tokasa Seniyasi, to extend their lead 15-10.
Fans came alive in the 68th minute when Naitasiri winger Naikasivo ran 50 metres to score her second try with Seniyasi adding the conversion for a 22-5 lead.
Nadroga replied with a try to prop Livia Navori and Reapi Uluinasau converting as they trailed 22-12. Naitasiri’s quick hands and power play allowed Naikasivo to score her third try on the 74th minute for a 2912 lead.
The visitors displayed good ball handling skills and in the 77th minute replacement centre Tema Sigarara scored a try with Seniyasi adding the extras for a 34-12 lead.
The hosts were awarded a penalty try in the dying stages after the Naitasiri forwards deliberately collapsed the scrum to narrow the deficit to 32-19. But right on extra time Seniyasi worked her way to the tryline and managed to land the conversion for a 41-19 win.
turn: tries ended upset win.
Comments: Naitasiri coach Kunatuba said: “Now we’re looking forward to next week’s game against Nadi. We are going to work on our mistakes.”
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