Gracious in defeat
Decision-making a problem for Nadroga
AFTER losing the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy to Namosi at Lawaqa Park in round one, the Stallions were gifted another opportunity to wrestle the prestigious trophy from Namosi in round two at Ratu Cakobau Park.
However, decision-making proved to be Nadroga’s biggest enemy. I watched the game live and the Stallions were far from the flamboyant comeback that they delivered against Suva- the passes, ability to score tries, confidence level and most of all decision making were missing from Nadroga’s cabinet as the hosts controlled the game.
A friend of mine asked me why I was supporting Nadroga so much- was it because of their recent victories. I told him no.
My love for Nadroga rugby grew when I was supporting the Nadroga soccer side in the 90s and I loved the way the Nadroga players played their hearts out for their province - the good days of the late Isaia Rasila, the general Jonetani Waqa, Solomone Donu, Fero Lasagavibau, Napolioni Vitau, Sikeli Kunaqio, Peniasi Damu, Sirilo Lala, Ilaitia Nabewa, Ifereimi Tawake, Sunita Nasilasila, Eminoni and Savenaca Batimala, Setoki Niqara, Filipe Tawayaga, Inia Ratulevu and Sikeli Votonisiga.
Those were the days when we had the Telecom Cup and Benson and Hedges Challenge that brought out the best from Nadroga, Naitasiri and Suva.
Since then, my love for Nadroga has grown tenfold and continues to grow- win or lose I’m an ardent Nadroga fan, although I hail from Cakaudrove.
Hence, I was bitter when we lost the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy. Nadroga had a penalty in the dying stages, and should have taken the three points- opt for a drop goal or drop the ball forward, wait for the referee’s whistle, as he was playing advantage, and then call up our experienced and dynamic kicker Apisalome Waqatabu to take the three points- game over.
It was so simple, but I guess the desire to end the game with a try was too much, and we ended up losing the ball to Namosi who scored a try from deep within their territory.
Heart breaking loss, as I felt for the Nadroga fans who came prepared to take the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy back home.
As expected, war of words had started ahead of the Nadro versus Namosi clash. Trophy holders Namosi had sent out a firm warning and they were confident of another successful defence after beating Naitasiri and Lautoka.
Namosi had named their best- Aseri Robarobalevu, Jone Naqiri, Alifereti Rabukawaqa, Neori Ravuwai, Eparama Luvata, Apakuki Vuaviri, Akapusi Roqica, Sakiusa Nadruku, Peni Matawalu, Alivereti Veitokani, Lepani Raiyala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Onisi Ratave, Esala Nalobo, Meli Nakarawa, Seru Cakobau, Atunaisa Maiono, Peni Tupou, Cyril Reece, Tomasi Sovilea, Kelepi Naimasi, Netava Koroisau and Asesela Ratudavu. Nadro had an experienced and power-packed squad in the likes of Jone Koroiduadua, Ratunaisa Navuma, Timoci Sauvoli, Rupeni Nasiga, Sailosi Dawai, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Rusiate Nasove, Eremasi Radrodro, Emosi Vucago, Jonetani Ralulu, Napolioni Nalaga, Sakiusa Nakalevu, Apisalome Waqatabu, brothers Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Kavekini Tabu and Jone Navori, Meli Neori, Luke Salaba, Setefano Somoca, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Sailasa Kerekere, Joseva Kuruicuva and Mesake Tuinamena.
Nadroga fans knew too well that the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy belonged to Nakuruvarua and they were banking on Nadroga to put their bodies on the line and take back what rightfully belonged to them.
Unfortunately, it was not our day although our boys started strongly with a 6-0 lead.
Namosi dedicated their win to former Prisons rugby star and Fiji Corrections Service officer the late Lemeki Koroi who had played a big role for the Namosi players and Fiji rugby.
Gracious in defeat, Nadroga team captain and warhorse Rupeni Nasiga had this to say, “We had many opportunities, but we failed to execute, but hats off to Namosi for the win, and I thank the boys for their performance. I apologise to our fans for the loss, and I thank them for their support and vinaka vakalevu for coming in numbers.”
Namosi captain Sakiusa Nadruku also acknowledged his warriors for the win and thanked their supporters for their support.
After the loss to Namosi, it was back to the drawing board for the Stallions and some strong decisions had to be made in order to get back to winning ways.