Nadroga farewells Lautoka
THE Nadroga rugby team gave Lautoka a champion's farewell in their 28-26 victory in the final round of the Skipper Cup competition at Lawaqa Park on Friday.
The Maroons played their final match in the Fiji Rugby Union major union competition against the Stallions and received a standing ovation after the game from fans, members of the Nadroga team and it's supporters.
Lautoka and Yasawa will be relegated to the BDivision next year after finishing at the bottom of the Skuiper Cup competition standings.
Nadroga rugby union president Tiko Matawalu said Lautoka was among their toughest opponents.
“It was a good clash and Lautoka being a regular Premier XVs team before demotion, showed their true worth this season,” Matawalu said.
“It's unfortunate that they have to be demoted and if given a chance of promotion relegation match against either Northland or Rewa, they would redeem themselves.”
Lautoka Rugby Union chairman Ratu Tevita Momoedonu was proud of his gladiators.
“I'm proud of my boys, I told them before the game to give everything they have left in this last match and they did,” Ratu Tevita said.
Nadroga scored two tries from fullback Apisalome Waqatabu and inside centre Ifereimi Tovilevu and a penalty try in the first half and all converted by Waqatabu. Lautoka flyhalf Waisea Luveniyali kicked four penalties to trail Nadroga 21-12 to the halftime break.
In the second spell Nadroga tighthead prop Wame Waqanaceva scored another try to extend their lead but the Maroons replied with two tries from replacement hooker Sireli Saukuru to bridge the score margin to 28-26. Nadroga; Timoci Sauvoli, Meli Neori, Ratu Wame Waqanaceva, Ulaiasi Lewavou, Naelesoni Nasokitabua, Jasa Veremalua, Eremasi Radrodro, Jone Navori, Emosi Vucago, Peni Kedralevu, Napolioni Nalaga, Ifereimi Tovilevu, Lisala Hugavou, Panapasa Qeruqeru, Apisalome Waqatabu. Reserves; Jonetani Kunavula, Luke Salaba, Taniela Vatunicoko, Semisi Nakokorava, Joji Kunavula, and Joseva Kuricuva. Lautoka; Atunaisa Uluimoala, Iliesa Leca, Lemeki Racule, Taione Ratu, Agavito Sauvakarua, Sairusi Tiko, Viliame Tivau, Akuila Saukuru, Samisoni Ravudi, Waisea Luveniyali, Jone Qauqau, Peniasi Vuniyayawa, Timoci Daurua, Opeti Ratucati, Jona Sawailau. Reserves; Sireli Saukuru, Viliame Uluinaceva, Masi Serubasaga, Maikeli Sauqaqa, Sanaila Kulawai, Peniasi Lolo.