Indiscipline disrupts Malolo’s winning run
The Ba rugby side ended Malolo’s unbeaten run with a 17-12 win at the Ba Market ground on Friday.
The Waisea Nalewabau captainedBa team are looking forward to taking on Serua in their return clash. Nalewabau said the players played with confidence and did not lose hope in the 80-minute battle. “This is our second win from three games,” he said.
“It is great to see this as the boys put their heads and heart together. We will work hard as we face Serua. We lost to Serua in the opening match of the season but we are ready to play them again.”
What happened: Over 500 fans were at the ground to cheer on the host. Ba started strongly and took the lead at the 21st minute with a try to prop Joeli Ranitu. It was converted by former Sila Central
College sprinter Waisake Raselala, who was playing at first fiveeighth.
The Ba line-up has Waisea Ratoto, Timoci Lagilevu, enterprising Isaia Lotawa, Isaia Naisau, Marika Ratoto and Meli Bavatu.
In the 38th minute Malolo halfback Taniela Radomole scored an unconverted try after bursting through the Ba defence.
Malolo had the services of Vilive Vuaniuci, Noa Niuvou, Alipate Bati, Apenisa Tuiba, and Nacanieli Labalaba.
Halftime: Ba 7-5 Malolo.
Malolo took the lead in the 44th minute when first five-eighth Semi Tuivuvuni dashed through a gap to score under the post with fullback Samuela Digitakitoga converting for a 12-7 lead.
In the 47th minute Malolo suffered a setback when centre Alipate Cokanalagi was yellow carded by referee Simeli Loga, for unprofessional play.
Ba closed the gap to 12-10 when Raselala converted the penalty. At the 67th minute Malolo prop Tevita Tuivuni was sin-binned. Loga awarded a penalty try to Ba in the 69th minute after continu
ous infringements by the Malolo forwards close to their try line for a 17-12 lead.
Comment: Malolo captain, Joseva Naikorea said: “We lost the plot a couple of times and it was a big lesson for us especially on our discipline. We will improve in our next game.”