Late rally helps Namosi to beat Lautoka
NAMOSI staged a second half comeback to defeat a spirited Lautoka side 20-16 in the Skipper Cup clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Down 7-13 at half time, Namosi stepped up the tempo in the second spell by keeping possession and driving up in attack using their powerful forwards.
Lautoka had a couple of good chances of pulling off a victory towards the end after Namosi replacement Peni Matawalu was sent to the sin bin.
Namosi team manager Jo Vosanibola said they had prepared well during the week and their hard effort at training paid off with the victory.
“We knew that Lautoka would be very tough to beat on their home turf,” Vosanibola said.
“They led us at halftime. So the message for the second half was to play simple rugby.
“Our main aim is to first defend the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy against Nadi next week and then qualify for the semi-finals of the Skipper Cup.”
Lautoka team manager Sefanaia Scholte said their survival in the top flight get tougher following the narrow loss.
He said bonus point earned for losing within seven points would be vital with two more rounds of matches to go.
“For us it is back to the drawing board to iron out all the mistakes before the remaining matches against Suva and Nadroga.”
Lautoka fly half Kini Tora opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a penalty.
The visitors hit back three minutes later with a forward rush eventuating in Apakuki Vuaviri dotting down near the Lautoka post.
Netava Koroisau converted from in front to put Namosi in the lead. Hooker Ilaisa Tora surprisingly scored for the Maroons after finding himself on the left wing going over the Namosi tryline after a clever dummy pass in the 27th minute.
Tora was in again after chasing a kick along the left to dive over in the corner in the 36th minute. The hosts led 13-7 at the break. A pep talk at halftime ignited the Namosi firepower in the second spell as the side went straight into attack.
Centre Esala Nalobo nailed a 30 metre penalty while number eight Kelepi Naimasio scored the second try to put Namosi back in the front. Namosi piled the pressure through their forwards and prop Peni Tupou was rewarded with a try in the 56th minute.
Replacement Peniasi Lolo succeeded with Lautoka’s second penalty in the 61st minute.
Lautoka staged a late rally in a bid to claim a win however poor ball handling cost the side dearly.
Lautoka:
Isoa Vasukilulu, Ilaisa Leca, Lekima Racule, Taione Ratu, Agavito Sauvakarua, Sanaila Kulawai, Jimilai Kotobalavu, Samisoni Ravudi, Jerry Tavai, Kini Tora, Peniasi Vuniyayawa, Timoci Daurua, Jone Qauqau.
Namosi:
Peni Tupou, Seru Cakobau, Alifereti Rabukawaqa, Neori Racule, Tomasi Sovilea, Apakuki Vuaviri, Akapusi Roqica, Kelepi Naimasio, Aminiasi Natoga, Netava Koroisau, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Esala Nalobo, Lepani Raiyala, Meli Nakarawa.