Start of a new era for Nadroga rugby: Radrodro
The Eremasi Radrodro captained- Nadroga side came from behind to beat Nadi 17-12 in their Skipper Cup clash at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, yesterday.
The hosts had to work hard in the second half after trailing 12-3 at halftime.
“This is the beginning of a new era for the Nadroga side,” Radrodro said. “We have begun to change our gear with the mission for the semi-final and then to the final, but we will take each game at a time.”
What happened: The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute with a penalty to fullback Apisalome Waqatabu. In the 35th minute Nadi took the lead for the first time when winger Aminio Naseyara scored a try in the corner and was converted by Sela Toga. In the 38th minute Nadi winger Vilikesa ‘Pocket Rocket’ Driu ran around his opposite number to score the second try with the conversion going wide.
Halftime: Nadi 12-3 Nadroga.
Nadi’s game started to crumble in the 51st minute when prop Ron Katonivere was sent to the sin-bin for infringing in the scrum.
And in the 53rd minute Nadroga winger Ben Kalounidau scored their first try in the corner with Waqatabu landing the conversion, 12-10.
In the 60th minute Nadi first five eight Vatemo Ravouvou was sinbinned for a dangerous tackle on Kalounidau.
The Stallions capitalised on the situation with flanker Ulaiasi Lawavou scoring a try in the 64th minute. Impressive for the hosts was Kalounidau who time and again broke through the Nadi defence.
Comment: Nadi captain Veremalua Vugakoto said: “Knowing the Nadroga side we took our chances but there were a few errors that we made that went against us.”
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