Naitasiri edges Tailevu in thriller

A VICIOUS Naitasiri outfit outplayed Tailevu in an entertaining afternoon of rugby at Ratu Cakobau in Nausori yesterday.

Naitasiri finished strongly with a 25-19 win, securing two straight victories as round two of the Skipper Cup concluded.

The fans were treated to a tight, tough and physical match-up as the young Tailevu side stayed in the fight right until the last whistle.

Motikai Murray opened the scoring for the highlanders before their neighbors responded with a try to Apisalome Bera followed by three successful penalties to fullback Emori Tadulala.

Dr Ilaitia Tuisese’s men got their act together, carried hard, completed a few phases before experienced flyhalf Peceli Nacebe went over the tryline.

Another penalty slot by Senijale Qiokata saw Naitasiri leading 17-16 at the break.

The second half couldn’t start any better for the victors as their experienced forwards took the front line, gaining valuable territories and creating opportunities.

Loosehead Asiveli Rokoua barged over, taking a number of defenders with him as he dotted down the only try of the second half.

They closed out Tailevu’s waves of attack as they rushed in defence but found themselves on the wrong side as they were penalized for foul play, the trusty boots of Emori Tadulala ensured they stayed in the game as they close the gap at 19-22.

However, fatigue and the impact of being at the receiving end of hard hits kicked in as Naitasiri sealed the result with a successful penalty through the flashy red boots of Senijale Qiokata.

“Our strengths are in the forwards, but we need to be more disciplined with it,” Naitasiri coach Dr Ilaitia Tuisese stated.

“Our lineouts needed to be more accurate, we played off the mark, we couldn’t win most of our lineouts. Our scrum was good, we need more fluidity in the backline especially in attack, but it is something we will work on from next week.”

Naitasiri will battle Nadroga in round three next weekend.