Stallions edge Lautoka at the death
Giant-killers Lautoka almost added another big scalp to their Skipper Cup Premiership wins when a last second turnover saw Nadroga win 10- 8 at Churchill Park yesterday.
After beating Suva 11-7 last week, the Maroons have begun to show the ‘new generation’ of players are a force to reckon with. With seconds remaining, Lautoka just needed to hang on to the ball but they lost the ball in the ruck that saw Nadroga kick the penalty and win the match.
Lautoka’s recent outstanding performance has been put down to its homegrown players. What happened: Lautoka began the match with more fire and kept Nadroga on the defensive in the first quarter.
In the 16th minute, a kick ahead by inside centre Peniasi Vuniyayawa saw the ball hit the corner flag and overrun by Nadroga fullback Apisalome Waqatabu. This allowed Lautoka openside flanker Viliame Tivau to score the first try.
Vuniyayawa, missed the conversion but minutes later slotted in a penalty for the Maroons to lead 8-0 at halftime.
Halftime: Lautoka 8-0 Nadroga
Nadroga hit back in the 67th minute with Mesake Tuinamena scoring in the corner after a quick penalty tap 10 metres out from Lautoka’s tryline.
Conversion by Waqatabu drew closer 8-7.
With time up, Lautoka lost the ball in a ruck for holding on in front of their posts which saw Waqatabu slotted the penalty for Nadroga to win 10-8.
Comments: Lautoka team manager Jiuta Sikuri said it was unfortunate that they turned the ball over at the last minute.
“We lost concentration in that the score small instance and it cost us the game.”
He was however proud of the team saying that being all homegrown players, it allowed the Maroons to play with more passion.
“We are still in the race.”
Nadroga team manager Semi Cabenalotu said Nadroga lost concentration in the first spell but came out more determined after halftime.
“Lautoka is a very good side and they will be a team to reckon with in the next seven rounds.”
Line-up Lautoka:
Isoa Vaskilulu, Ilaisa Leca, Samuela Suguturaga, Epeli Radaniva, Timovi Vudreu, Sairusi Roko, Viliame Tivau, Agavito Sauvakarua, Asaeli Qalova, Jeremaia Tavai, Jone Qauqau, Peniasi Vuniyayawa, Vatiliai Tuisabeto, Kolinio Lavoti, Opeti Ratucati.
Nadroga: Jone Koroiduadua, Ratunaisa Navuma, Setefano Somoca, Sailosi Dawai, Sailasa Kerekere, Jone Navori, Jasa Veremalua, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Joseva Kuricuva, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Savenaca Navuniharau, Napolioni Nalaga, Mesake Tunamena, Isoa Tabu, Apisalome Waqatabu.
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