Uphill battles for teams

AS I was preparing to pen this article, I alluded to a wonderful piece titled ‘Nadro rugby’ by Epi Satavu in the letters to the editor column (FT: 30/09) and I extend my appreciation and gratitude to Epi Satavu for his valuable contribution to the traditional giants of Fiji rugby — Nadroga.

I thought of sharing these lines from Epi’s letter, “To my knowledge of past Nadro players, to win back the Skipper Cup — a must to go and train at the sandhills before their next game. To be honest from previous games, the way I judged the team, they were unfit and did not last the 80 minutes, especially to tougher teams Suva and Namosi. Hopefully, to see Nadro retain their fitness when it comes to the crunch time.” This week’s Skipper Cup battles will set the platform for the teams that are lining up the four semi-final spots up for grabs. Teams will also be eyeing a bonus-point win in a bid to secure a home semi-final. Last week the Suva side, led by their lion and courageous captain John Stewart, overpowered Nadi in their back yard and returned home with a bonus-point win.

Suva’s forwards in Manasa Saulo, Mateo Qolisese, whom our journalist Waisale Koroiwasa had tipped as the player to watch during the Suva v Nadroga battle in round two, Sireli Ledua, James Brown, who is known for his ‘never-saydie attitude’, and former Stallion Manoa Tamaya were clinical and overpowered the Nadi forwards.

The likes of Leone Nawai, Jone Manu, Misaele Petero, Apisalome Vota and Enele

Malele added the much-needed firepower against the jetsetters led by players such as Ron Katonivere, Veremalua Vugakoto, Samuela Saqiwa, Napolioni Dawai, Sela Toga, Vilive Aria and policeman Isoa Donaldson.

Suva walloped Nadi 22-3. Yasawa and Lautoka, who were promoted to the top division last year, fought it out in the Sugar City and the Maroons won the battle 26-10.

Lautoka, with players such as Iliesa Leca, Timoci Ratuvou, Sunia Talebula, Jone Qauqau and Waisea Luveniyali, proved too strong for Yasawa, with players such as Maikeli Sivo, Seru Momo, Rusiate Waqa and Tevita Volavola.

In the cracker match between Naitasiri and Namosi, the Highlanders, coached by Dr Ilaitia Tuisese Jr, won the match 25-15 with a bonus-point win. Dr Tuisese Jr in the Sunday Times (27/09) attributed their win to nothing but hard work and sacrifice. Players such as Joeli Veitayaki, Necani Nawaqadau, Seremaia Naureure, Sireli Kaloucava, Jone Navuso, Kaliova Mocetadra, Seveci Nakailagi and Kini Douglas donned the Naitasiri jumper while Ratu Seru Cakobau and Apete Daveta, former Stallions, Peni Tupou, Kelepi Naimasi, Risiate Tadulala, Sakiusa Nadruku, Cyril Reece,

Meli Nakarawa, Jone Naqiri and

Picture: JOVESA NAISUA Picture: JOVESA NAISUA FAREBROTHER Sullivan Trophy holders Namosi will not take challengers Yasawa lightly and will treat today’s Skipper Cup double-header as a final. “We know what Yasawa is capable of after a close first game and we will treat this game as a final,” said Namosi manager Emori Bolakoro. Namosi survived an early scare in their first game with the minnows coming from behind to win at the death by 31-30 at Nadovu Park, Lautoka. “They showed in our first meeting the firepower they have, but we have put in the necessary work to play our own game.” Bolakoro said they had learnt some valuable lessons in last week’s 21-15 loss to Naitasiri but would lift the tempo to a different level today. “We had some takeaway lessons from last week, but this is a challenge so it will be a whole different ball game.” Bolakoro said morale was high, and the team was ready to get to work. “We have no major injuries and a full squad, they have been working hard all week and we’re ready to do our part.” Namosi hosts challengers Yasawa at the ANZ Stadium at 3.20pm Namosi players during their team bonding exercise at the Colo-i-Suva Forestry waterfall on Wednesday. Inset: Namosi players at the Colo-i-Suva Forestry waterfall on Wednesday.