Sports and debates
Drua makes a statement!
IOSEFO Masi, who won the 2022 Tokyo Olympic Games gold medal, has raised his hands for the Paris Olympic Games with another solid display against the Chiefs for the Fijian Drua.
As Damien McKenzie recovered from spilling a high ball, Masi pounced on the loose ball and sprinted clear to score the opening try.
His second try was a delight. The Drua delivered a master-class display, but it was not enough, as they went down 29-46.
The Drua lacked composure, patience, and discipline. I missed Frank Lomani’s gutty performance at the base of the scrum, but I salute Meli Derenalagi for charging like a lion.
On the other hand, had our boys been patient, we would have scored at least three tries which would have been enough to send shivers down the Chiefs spine.
A few controversial calls from the man in the middle did not help our course either. Likewise, the boys allowed the Chiefs a few ‘soft’ tries.
Some ‘hard’ Fijian tackles would have prevented those tries.
After watching the Drua put up the lethal and spirited performance, I’m confident they will finish in the top eight.
The boys can quickly pick themselves up this Saturday by knocking out the Waratahs at home.
I’m hopeful of good weather and for the boys to do what they did to the Crusaders.
Toso Drua!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
United roars in
ENGLISH football giants Manchester United roared its way into the FA Cup semi-finals after a thrilling 4-3 victory over arch rivals
Liverpool.
The match had everyone on the edge of their seats with the lead swinging in both directions throughout the match.
United drew first blood in the early exchanges of the match as Scott McTominay tapped home from close range before Liverpool scored a quick fire double to give the visitors a 2-1 lead at Old Trafford.
United looked to be the better side in the second half and were rewarded with a late equaliser as under-fire winger Antony scored to send the match into extra time.
Liverpool wonder boy Harvey Elliot struck first in extra time as Liverpool once again led 3-2 at the breather.
It was United who looked to be the hungrier side as they kept searching for a leveller and they surely were rewarded as Marcus Rashford pulled the rabbit out of the hat with a cool finish minutes before the end of extra time.
With scores level at 3-3 and both sides pressing hard to get the winner, it was academy product Alejandro Garnacho who raced away from the Liverpool defence on the counter attack to set up youngster Amad Diallo for the match winning goal in what was practically the last second of the game!
Manchester United will now face Championship side Coventry City in the semi-final at Wembley while Chelsea will battle it out with Manchester City in the other semi final. Football — the beautiful game! RAYNAV CHAND
Nakasi
Standard of debates
DEAR Parliamentarians, please raise the standard of debates in Parliament.
Even the students in the visitors’ gallery couldn’t help but chuckle at the manner in which debates unfolded in Parliament on Friday morning. SANJEET PRASAD
Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa