Saints keen to win

NEWCOMERS in the top flight Yasawa Saints are keen to come out stronger in the 2021 Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup competition.

The Saints formed a couple years ago featured in the second tier of the Vodafone Cup but was elevated to the new format adopted by the FNRL this year.

The side finished at the bottom of the Maroons State recording only one win from nine matches.

In the final round match against the West Coast Storm at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday, the Saints led 24-20 heading into the dying stages before the Storm made a last-minute break to score a decisive try to Jo Vunisalevu and captain Nelson Tuidraki converted on the stroke of full-time to snatch victory at the death.

The Saints had led 16-10 at the break.

Yasawa Saints Rugby League Club president Jonetani Nasau said the state level of competition was of a higher standard compared with the premier division they played in previously.

He said facing champion teams such as the Sabeto Roosters, Ravoravo Rabbitohs and the Saru Dragons was a big challenge and a learning experience for their young players.

“Most of the boys in the team have come from the rugby union background especially playing the 7s code,” Nasau said.

“With the 2020 season over, we will now turn our focus to the new season. We have a lot of work to do in terms of our preparations.

“The boys need to brush up on the rules of the game.

“They need to improve on their ten metre defensive line. Most of the time they were penalised because they were way up within the ten metre zone when on defensive mode.

“Also the basics like the set plays with the five tackles and then the ensuring kick,” he explained.

Nasau said the major challenge they faced was logistics since their players live in Nadroga, Lautoka and the Yasawa Group.

He said it was a costly affair to get the players together and assemble the team for match day.

“We hope to have a brighter 2021 season,” Nasau said.