Momoedonu praises team
WHILE it was a rocky road, it was worth the journey for the Lautoka rugby team in the 2020 Skipper Cup competition.
Lautoka Rugby Union chairman Ratu Tevita Momoedonu credits the input given by the players and their families towards the campaign this season.
The western-based side, after spending six years in the Vanua Cup competition revived its franchise weekly games and were able to select cream of players from Lautoka to form a team this year.
“We have a very young side and given the opportunity presented to them they grabbed them with both hands,” Momoedonu said.
“We have a very strong coaching panel and we hope that the players have gained a lot of experience from the competition and exposing them this season was the main focus.
“Even before the game today (Friday last week) I told the boys it’s now or never.
“You can see how they perform against the top Suva side and how they put their body on the line and this speaks about the courage this side has.”
Momoedonu said the game left was their ultimatum.
“Everyone knows Nadroga, they are a strong side and our traditional ties is strong but in rugby there is no love lost. We are looking at a good game against them and when the dust settles we hope the result will favour us.”
Lautoka went down to Suva 5-7 on Friday night at the ANZ Stadium.
Team: 1. Isoa Vasukilulu, 2. Ilaisa Leca, 3. Lemeki Racule, 4. Taione Ratu, 5. Mikaele Saurara, 6. Akuila Saukuru, 7. Meaki Bose, 8. Agavito Sauvakarua, 9. Samisoni Ravudi, 10. Waisea Luveniyali, 11 Vatili Tuisabeto, 12. Sunia Talebula, 13. Timoci Daurua, 14. Opeti Ratucati, 15. Jerry Tavai. Replacements: 16. Samu Suguturaga, 17. Masi Seru, 18. Temesia Bolavucu, 19. Sairusi Roko, 20. Maika Tuinasavusavu, 21. Peniasi Lolo, 22. Jona Sawailau, 23. Jone Qauqau.