Giants awaken NADI RECLAIMS FAREBROTHER TROPHY
NAITASIRI’S rugby brickwall defence that had withstood past Farebrother Trophy challenges, crumbled in the last three minutes of its doubleheader challenge against Nadi at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori yesterday.
It left to ruins the hillmen’s stronghold in the 82-year-old Fijian coveted silverware after the jetsetters escaped with a 1412 victory.
But the toast of the feat belonged to 28-year-old farmer and fullback Tevita Mociu, who successfully kicked the last penalty in the 77th minute to take the trophy down West.
Referee Tevita Rokovereni awarded Nadi the penalty 18 metres from the uprights after a Naitasiri player was penalised for infringement.
Mociu, who missed a penalty from almost the same spot in the 25th minute, quickly said a silent prayer before sending the ball through the uprights to send the Nadi crowd into a frenzy before the referee blew game over.
“As I placed the ball, I said a small prayer asking God for His guidance,” he said after the match.
“I said to myself, ‘It’s now or never Mociu.’ I looked at the posts, closed my eyes, focused on the ball and walked towards it. It was my longest walk in the match because if I miss, we will lose. I knew I was confident, but I let God do the rest. I am happy that I helped our team win.”
Nadi and Naitasiri fired all munitions at each other.
The bulky westerners used their forwards to creep towards
Naitasiri, but the Dr Ilaitia Tuisese Jr-coached hillmen, small in size but barbaric in defence, endlessly punched through the visitors’ line in the duel.
Nadi missed two early penalties in the first quarter, but was successful in the 30th for 3-nil lead after fly half Viliame Bibote nailed a penalty after Naitasiri’s Inoke Ravuiwasa was penalised for dangerous play.
Winger Solomome Tavai capped off a three-phase Nadi attack towards the Nausori airport end of the park to further the lead 8-0 at halftime.
Naitasiri hit back with two tries within the first five minutes of the second spell to lead 12-8 . But mistakes cost them the lead after Bibote landed a penalty in the 63rd minute. Nadi 11-12 Naitasiri.
Nadi threw everything at
Naitasiri, but the champion stood firm in their defence even with the opposition camping five metres from the try line for about 10 minutes.
In desperate defence, a Naitasiri player was sighted for infringement with Rokovereni awarding a penalty. It was the mistake that Nadi wanted and Mociu broke the hearts of the hosts to end their winning streak.
His skipper Ron Katonivere said it was a hard fought battle.
“We were lucky because Naitasiri is Naitasiri and they were the better team. It was a tough match.”
Naitasiri coach Dr Tuisese Jr said mistakes were their enemy.
“It was not our day. We played well but we faltered in the last minute. Congratulations to Nadi, we’ll have another chance and we’ll work hard again.”
Nadi: 1-23: Katonivere, Maikeli Sivo, Josua Kotobalavu, Sitiveni Yabaki, Sivaniolo Lumelume, Jolame Luvevou, Ilisoni Galala, Veniona Vuki, Marika Tivitivi, Viliame Bibote, Tavai, Vilive Aria, Eseroma Nabalawa, Jiutasa Nave, Tevita Mociu, Viliame Tui, Kenneth Delai, Joseva Nadolo, Aporosa Saukuru, Jaoji Koroi, Navitalai Drau, Orisi Erenavula, Semesa Muadonu.
Naitasiri: Asiveli Rokoua, Jone Naqiri, Ravuiwasa, Esika Macu, Sitiveni Kaila, Jone Navori, Maciu Vakacabeqoli, Sireli Kaloucava (Cpt), Anasa Naqiri, Kini Douglas, Vili Kanatabua, Peni Tubuna, Filimoni Waqa, Kaliova Mocetara, Etonia Roko, Jone Vatukela, Waisea Daveta, Joeli Veitayaki, Inoke Tuisese, Tomasi Naiduki, Simi Drotini, Vatili Vosawale, Uraia Torau.