Ratuva: Nadroga still work in progress
Nadroga fought back to beat Namosi 29-28 in the second round of the Digicel Provincial Cup at Thomson Park, Navua, yesterday.
With a minute from fulltime the Stallions controlled the tempo of the game and from 10 phases of play they managed to send lock Josaia Cokaibusa over the tryline to score the winning try.
Speaking to SUNsports Nadroga assistant coach Aca Ratuva said the players believed in themselves.
“We had to maintain our shape and stay focused right through the game,” the former Flying Fijians flanker said. “This is one area of the game that we have been working on. “That was to finish strongly and the boys stuck to it.” Ratuva said the key was to keep the ball and maintain their structure.
“The boys had that in mind and they were reminded to play right to the last whistle.
“There were a lot of things that we need to work on. Next week we will work on those areas and come prepared for Tailevu.”
What happened: Namosi went straight on attack as they dominated possession and territory. However, Nadroga took an early 3-0 lead from a Josese Kurokavu penalty.
A well-executed set piece move by the Stallions saw Taitusi Lulusinu score their first try and he also converted it for a 10-0 lead.
Namosi’s Joseva Vunisa landed a penalty in the 16th minute to narrow the deficit 10-3.
Quick reaction from Namosi saw Vinaya Habosi score in the 23rd minute with Vunisa missing the conversion as they trailed 10-8.
The Namosi forwards took control with flanker Apakuki Vuaviri diving over to score their second try with Vunisa adding the extras as they led 15-10.
This woke up the Stallions with skipper Manueli Ratuniyarawa bulldozing his way to the tryline for an unconverted try.
Halftime: Namosi 15-15 Nadroga.
Both teams missed kickable penalties at the start of the second half.
Namosi halfback Peni Matawalu got a yellow card for a foul play in the 51st minute.
The hosts took an 18-15 lead from a Vunisa penalty after the Nadroga forwards were caught offside.
Nadroga replied with a Naisa Navuma try in the 63rd minute and converted by Paula Bete as they regained the lead 22-18. Namosi replied with a second try to Vuaviri to take a 23-22 lead halfway into the second half.
Habosi also scored his second try in the dying stages from a backline move to further the lead 28-22 lead.
The Stallions took control and provided the gap for Cokaibusa to run untouched to dot down the winning try with the conversion going over.