Roosters hold Sharks

Fiji Times - Sunday, February 24, 2008 7:55 AM

FULLBACK Sionasa Vunisa slotted a last-gasp penalty to earn the Bligh Roosters a 17-all draw against the Sharks in the Colonial Cup competition at Garvey Park yesterday.

Vunisa showed his composure under pressure nailing the penalty from 30 metres to snatch an unlikely draw.

Lack of discipline cost both teams the chance of taking full points in the fixture.

The Sharks had two players sent to the sin-bin by referee Napolioni Locoloco while indiscretion cost the Roosters a try five minutes from time.

Sharks coach Ifereimi Tawake said discipline was the major drawback for his side. The former national rep said his players stuck to the game plan working through the forwards.

"I was happy with the way the forwards dominated the encounter," Tawake said.

"They took the ball and hit the defensive line hard.

"However, all the good work was undone by the lack of discipline. We gave away a needless penalty at the end. This cost us the match."

Sharks scored the opening try in the 17th minute.

Half back Jock Luita took a quick tap penalty from the Roosters 22 metre line.

The ball was spun along the backline with winger Vereimi Vilitati crossing the try line near the corner flag.

Koroi Yavala converted from the sideline.

Roosters fly half Noa Rokomatu kicked a penalty with the Sharks leading 7-3 at half time.

The hosts started the second spell on a high note with Rokomatu closing the gap with his second penalty.

Vunisa broke through the Sharks defence from half way setting up Mesulame Soga to score a try. Rokomatu missed the conversion with the Roosters extending its advantage to 14-7.

Replacement Amani Bosenawai kicked a penalty for the Sharks. The visitors scored its second try from a set move.

The Roosters were penalised for a high tackle.

Netani Koroi found the touch line inside the Roosters 22 metre territory. From the ensuring line out the Sharks drove through with captain Kolinio Vasuilagi crashing over.

However Vunisa snatched a draw with a last minute penalty.

Roosters coach Manasa Bari said the result was encouraging.

He said the boys played until the final minute.

"It's a satisfying result," Bari said.

"They kept up the pressure until the dying stages and managed to draw level with a penalty."

Bligh Roosters: Sionasa Vunisa, Josevata Tuidraki, Sevuloni Mataniwai, Peceli Rinakama, Mesulame Soga, Noa Rokomatu, Isei Matai, Sainivalati Vunibola, Mavi Kuruvakatini, Ilaitia Vuniwaqa, Emosi Mudu, Malakai Bari, Savenaca Dau, Rosivela Toutou, Savenaca Driu.

Sharks: Penaia Vakaruru, Vereimi Vilitati, Ovini Baleinamau, Isoa Rokobici, Apisalome Waqabaca, Koroi Yavala, Jock Luita, Timoci Vakadranu, Sailosi Rabonaqica, Lemeki Laqere, Mosese Fatiaki, Kolinio Vasuilagi, Sireli Temo, Pia McComber, Setefano Savuoca.