Nadroga rules

The Fiji Times - Saturday, October 10, 2009 7:03 PM

IT was not pin-point execution but Nadroga produced a robust effort to wrest the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy from Naitasiri with a 31-6 win at Ratu Cakobau Park this afternoon.

The fours tries to none outcome gave Nadroga the honours of being crowned undisputed champion of Fiji Rugby Union’s domestic competiion.They already have the Digicel Cup in their cabinet.

Both grand stands were full to the rafters, including the temporary stand and even those fans who perched on the tree and roof tops outside the park were treated to a superb display of quality rugby.

Despite a first half riddled with mistakes, including crooked throws into their line outs and turnovers going Naitasiri’s way the Nadroga team showed tons of confidence and belief to race away to a 14-3 lead.

This was from two converted tries the first created by halfback Emosi Vucago who pounced on a loose ball and left Naitasiri defenders for dead as he headed for the open prairie. Second-five-eighth Jonetani provided the well times support and completed the move with a clear try on 25 minutes

The second from number eight Asaeli Boko on the stroke of halftime was the result of relentless pressure as Naitasiri defence wilted.

Fly half Jiuta Lutumailagi, who converted both, was a pocket rocket as he equally string on defence as on attack with his vision, composure and neat passing.

Naitasiri’s points came from a penalty by fly half Kolinio Vunaki.

Signs that the prestigious trophy was heading west surfaced when Naitasiri lost possession from a lineout five meters short of their try line.

The ensuing try by blindside flanker Mosese Volavola at the end of a forward drive and the successful conversion by Lutumailagi two minutes into the new spell spelt the beginning of trophy slipping out of the highlanders grip.

Naitasiri which had failed to cross the Stallions 22 meters territory replied with a Vunaki penalty on 44 minutes. 21-6.

Halfback and man of the match Emosi Vucago continued to be a thorn in the Naitasiri’s efforts to settle down.

He pushed the opposition to the limit with his darting runs then initiated a passing move where the forwards joined in and winger Joeli Lutumailagi was on hand to breach the Naitsiri try line. Jiuta Lutumailagi's conversion made it 28-6 showed the visitors were in control.

As the game entered the last quarter only once did Naitasiri come close to scoring but superb and alert defence by Nadroga turned possession over and this drained the highlanders.

Centre Jonetani Ratu slotted a penalty with five minutes to go and the writing was on the wall.

Referee Samu Tuidarki had firm control and allowed the game to flow.

Naitasiri 6
Penalty kick: Kolinio Vunaki (2)
Y/C: No. 7 - Jimilai Naikadawa; No. 20 - Nemani Vecenayawa

Nadroga 31
Tries: Jonetani Ratu conv - Jiuta Lutumailagi; Asaeli Boko conv - Jiuta Lutumailagi; Mo Volavola conv - Jiuta Lutumailagi; Joeli Lutumailagi conv - Jiuta Lutumailagi;
Penalty: Jonetani Ralulu
Y/C: No. 7 - Semesa Goneva

NAITASIRI:
1 Jale Koroi, 2 Vereniki Sauturaga, 3 Vesi Rarawa, 4 Senivalati Vunibola, 5 Ben Sadrugu, 6 Apisalome Ratuniyarawam 7 Jimilai Nakaidawa, 8 Apisai Rinamalo (c), 9 Waisale Vatuvoka, 10 Kolinio Vunaki, 11 Mosese Luveitasau, 12 Leone Tabuarua, 13 Paula Tiko, 14 Jo Nakaira, 15 Nasoni Roko
Reserves: 16 Aisea Rinakama, 17 Sireli Kaloucava, 18 Jokini Sivo, 19 Silivenusi Gavidi, 20 Nemani Vecenayawa, 21 Leone Ratulevu, 22 Lepani Nabuliwaqa

NADROGA:
1 Tiko Matawalu, 2 Seremaia Naureure, 3 Setefano Somoca, 4 Manoa Tamaya, 5 Etonia Nabahiki, 6 Mosese Volavola 7 Semesa Goneva, 8 Asaeli Boko, 9 Emosi Vucago, 10 Jiuta Lutumailagi, 11 Maikeli Mocetadra, 12 Jonetani Ratu, 13 Mesulame Soqa, 14 Joeli Lutumailagi, 15 Mitieli Nacagilevu
Reserves: 16 Ulaiasi Lohevu, 17 Apisai Turukawa, 18 Sailosi Rabonaqica, 19 Aca Ratuva, 20 Seru Naqasima, 21 Jonetani Ralulu, 22 Paula Karitu.