Nadroga retains Farebrother Trophy
RUGBY union powerhouse Nadroga retained the Farebrother Trophy after they defeated challenger Rewa in a close 9-3 thriller match that was held in the stallion’s home ground.
Nadroga’s points came from a converted try by Batibasaga and a penalty in the second half to Rewa’s only penalty by Volavola after being held to a scoreless first half.
Although the trophy holder won narrowly, they had to work extra hard to cross Rewa’s line throughout the match. Rewa, on the other hand, missed scoring chances later in the spell which could have called the game their way.
Their backline functioned better than the Nadroga big names who fumbled a lot in set moves. However, the passing displayed by Rabuli’s young line-up was outstanding.
This was reported in The Fiji Times on October 12, 1994.
It had accuracy and speed, but just could not find that room for penetration.
They did once halfway into the second half from Nadroga’s quarter-line. Paula Waisake fed the ball from behind a set scrum to his backs.
It carried on until dashing Rabuli turned for possession, which weaved past the Nadroga defense, scooted for the corner but was pushed out one yard short of the line.
It was Nadroga’s good rucking and mauling by their forwards that gave them edge over Rewa. Their switch of play had over time and again upset Rewa many times.
Senitiki Nasave stood outstanding for the backline while tall Jo Green showed top form from the lineout to share possession with Viliame Cegumalua and Ilikimi of Rewa.
First five-eighth Dan Lobendahn displayed position and tactical kicks to Nadroga’s advantage when under pressure.
Rewa missed its captain Ilaitia Tuisese who could give a lot of spirit through winning possession in the line-outs.
But on the whole Rewa deserved credit for their performance.
Rewa started with great spirits and pressed the home side deep into their territory. Paula Waisake fed the backline cleanly from behind the scrum and ran the ball in style.
Cavuilati showed footwork and his quick change of pace terrorised Nadroga. Though both teams tried hard to cross the line throughout the second half, they were both unsuccessful.
Therefore, by the time the halftime siren had sounded, both sides had not scored any tries.
Straight after kickoff, Nadroga quickly jumped into attack and had control of the game.
Classy Batibasaga opened the scoring with a penalty from far out of Rewa’s 22 yard line.
Nadroga came back after kick off, scored its only try through Nasave five yards from the corner. Rewa was awarded a penalty from near the line in Nadroga’s territory, but Rauto kicked wide off the post minutes later, a dropgoal attempt from Waisake from a difficult angle went to the far right of the Nadroga goal post.
Nadroga suddenly came alive. Their backs brought play deep into Rewa’s line.
One of those switching moves by Nadroga brought the crowd to their feet as Nasave sprinted down the line, beat two defenders and unloaded to right winger Jocame.
Knees high, he rammed his way through and had only few yards away from the line passed inside to Nasave who lost control and knocked on the ball.
Rewa defended desperately and held the champions at bay.
They hit time and again with Rabuli and Qele Ratu making fine runs.
A ruck formed inside Rewa’s quarter line with Meli Kurisaru winning possession.
Feeding the backline, Nasave received the pass from Wame quickly putting the ball to his foot.
The chase was on but Nasave was too fast and beat two Rewa players as he dived over the line. Batibasaga converted for a good 9-0 lead.
Rewa, not a team to give up easily, came back with more fire. Volavola narrowed the lead with a penalty from right in front.
The challenger had earlier missed two penalties to Nadroga’s two drop goals by Lobendahn and a penalty by Natuiyaga.
Rewa at this stage fought hard as they camped on the Nadroga line for at least 10 minutes.
Livai came in the backline move and threatened the Nadroga lineup with the support of flanker Rauto.
At one stage they threw the ball around until Tuimasi got it to crash over, but lost the ball in the process.
Nadroga’s defense stood firm until full-time with no change in the score.