Tailevu fights to the death
TAILEVU claimed victory over Northland 30-21 at Gatward Park in Korovou Town yesterday.
Northland registered the first points in the fifth minute through a penalty try.
Tailevu replied with a try in the 18th minute through fullback Osea Ramasea which was unconverted.
Northland fly half Ilimeleki Leiloma successfully converted a penalty in the 23rd minute.
They were then reduced to 14 men when flanker Rupeni Kabu was shown a yellow card. Tailevu capitalised on the one-man advantage through winger Pita Raikoso diving in the corner for a try.
Both teams were locked 10all at half-time.
It was a battle of the kickers in the first 19 minutes of the second half with Leiloma and Ramasea slotting two penalties each. Northland broke away from the deadlock through halfback Suluka Tunaka diving over for a try in the left corner.
The game started to slip away from Northland in the 65th minute when lock Jone Tukana was sent to the sin bin. Tailevu capitalised on the numerical advantage when halfback Peniasi Ravudolo scored a try in the 67th minute.
Northland were reduced to 13 men in the 74th minute when replacement prop Osea Salui was sent to the bin.
Four minutes later Tailevu replacement back Jeri Kavekai ran through the Northland defence to score under the posts.
FULLBACK Jack Volavola starred in Nadroga’s 29-3 victory against Namosi in the Skipper Cup match at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Friday evening.
Volavola individually scored 14 points for the Stallions through a try, three conversions and a penalty.
Nadroga proved to be strong in the first spell, scoring four tries to Jone Dukumoi, Taniela Vatuinacoko, Taniela Rakuro and Volavola to earn a vital bonus point. Nadroga led 26-3 at the break.
The second half proved to be a lackluster affair as both teams failed to find the try line with Volavola and the Namosi fly half exchanging a penalty each.
The result has helped Nadroga to maintain its run for the semi-finals of the competition.