Ba Pro keeps head up after falling to RKS

BA Provincial Free Bird Institute Dragons manager Aseri Saukuru said it was not the end of the road and they would continue to keep their heads up despite falling short 16-14 to Ratu Kadvulevu School Eels during the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League under-17 final.

“We did more than our best, but were unlucky,” said Saukuru at the ANZ Stadium yesterday.

“It is not the end of the road for us, but the beginning of a new page and we will definitely come back here stronger and better.”

The Dragons drew first blood with winger Manoa Tabuarua scoring the first try converted by centre Simione Ratubuli.

RKS replied with two tries through forwards Samisoni Dolodai and Sulio Loka, both converted by pivot Meli Nacaginimasei to send the teams to the break with RKS in front 12-6.

Ba fought back in the second half and regained the lead with two hard-worked tries from Ratubuli and substitute back Akuila Qoro, with both conversions missed, to later prove costly.

RKS attacked until the final whistle, paying off with substitute Manasa Matanisiga crashing over the tryline in the corner seconds from the final whistle to steal the win.

1.Ratu Navakaitoko Sulua 2.Ratu Etuate Veidreyaki 3.Amenatave Bradshaw 4.Laitia Baleituba 5.Joseva Rateri 6.Ratu Epeli Nanuku 7.Melikiseti Nacaginimasei 8.Tevita Waqata 9.Eseria Komainaisoro 10.Samuela Leleilagi 11.Edward Turagasau 12.Mosese Taramecegu 13.Samisoni Naivalu interchange: 14.Sylvester Tamaicakai 15.Tevita Vukicea 16.Samisoni

Dolodai 17.Manasa Matanisiga 18.Apisalome Vuadreu 19.Sulio Loka 20.Vilimone Druma

Teams: RKS Eels line-up:

Picture : JONACANI LALAKOBAU Picture : JONACANI LALAKOBAU The victorious Nasinu Secondary School Panthers team celebrate after their win against Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute Dragons. Left: Former Flying Fijian winger, Mosese Luveitasau with his namesake son yesterday.

Picture : JONACANI LALAKOBAU Nasinu Secondary School Panthers’ Mauri Ferei on attack yesterday.