Tailevu deny Naitasiri hosting semis
Naitasiri travel to Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka this Saturday for the Skipper Cup Premiership semifinal showdown against Nadroga.
The Highlanders butchered the chance to host a semifinal after Tailevu scored in the last minute for the 15-15 tie at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.
Pictured: Tailevu lock forward Joseva Saitaba on attack against Naitasiri at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori on June 8, 2019.
The Macuata rugby played for pride as they pipped North Bulls 19-17 at All Saints Secondary School ground yesterday. Despite the win, Macuata have failed to qualify for the semi-final of the Vodafone Vanua Championship.
In the first few minutes of the match Elia Ratucove scored the first try for Macuata and was not converted. North Bulls’ Kameli Nayacakalou scored a try and the conversion went over.
North Bulls 7-5 Macuata In the second half Macuata’s Navitalai Masitabua scored the first try and it was converted by Sekove Aka in the 44th minute as they led 12-7.
In the 11th minute Nayacakalou scored his second try and the conversion by Korodrau went over 1214.
In the 27th minute Macuata returned with their third try scored by Ratucove and it was converted by Opete Utoni to regain the lead 19-14 but Bulls converted a late penalty but it was too late.
Macuata coach Digitaki Levaci said: “We’ve 14 points in total and what we’ve done this year will push us to try harder in next year’s competition.
“If we had played better from the beginning we would have pulled through to the semi-final.” Northern Bulls coach Sakeasi Muakalou said: “This was our last match and the players have always tried their best be it on their home ground or away from the mainland.
“It is unfortunate that couldn’t qualify for semi-final However, we will prepare better next year.” Women: Macuata 41-10 Northern Bulls; U19- Macuata 10-16 Northern Bulls
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua