Sweet victory for Nadroga

NADROGA was in top form as they defeated Ram Sami Nasinu 25-17 in the first round of the Skipper Cup.

It was a pressure game that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the match.

Defending cup champion Suva took the lead with a penalty kick by Enele Malele to lead with three points on the first half.

Nadroga was also given a penalty kick by Tevita Sorowale but was unsuccessful.

As the game began to become evenly matched Nadroga picked up the pace and scored the opening try which was not converred by Peni Kadralevu as they led 5-3.

Five minutes after their first try, Kadralevu scored another try after a failed kick-off from Suva.

After five passes Kadralevu scored the try and the conversion was successful.

Nadroga led 12-3.

A yellow card was given to Mesake Tuinamena of Nadroga that allowed Suva to sneak in to score a try to Kolinio Tamanitokula and the conversion from Malele moved the points closer to 10-12

A penalty kick to Nadroga saw them take over the lead 15-10 at the end of the first half.

Five minutes in to the second half Suva scored their second try by Elia Canakaivata and again Malele kicked the conversion to put his side in the lead 17-15.

A yellow card was given to Suva’s Vatilai Dulaki for a high tackle.

A penalty was awarded to Nadroga but was missed before another yellow card was given to Nadroga’s Timoci Sauvoli.

Both teams fought hard and were pressured that resulted in another yellow card to Suva’s Meli Tuni.

In the last few minutes of the game Nadroga proved themselves with two tries from Panapasa Qeruqeru to end the game.

Nadroga manager Pita Kadralevu said they would need to work on their defence if they wanted to win against Namosi next week.