Win dedicated to loyal fans

The Fiji Times - Saturday, October 10, 2009 9:15 PM

THOUSANDS of supporters who travelled to Nausori to back the Stalliond were given their money’s worth as Nadroga dissected Naitasiri 31-6 to clinch the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy at Ratu Cakobau Park today.

Inspirational skipper and prop Tiko Matawalu, who has now twice led the Stallions to bag both Fiji Rugby Union's major rugby titles was jubilant.

In 2006 under Reverend Joji Rinakama, who is now the Naitasiri coach, Matawalu and Nadroga won both major rugby titles in the highlight of domestic competition- the Sanyo now Digicel Cup and Farebrother Sullivan Trophy.

Matawalu dedicated yesterday;s impressive win to the Nadroga supporters who travelled by busses mini vans and other means of transport to rally behind the team at Ratu Cakobau Park.

“I hope they will return home happy after witnessing their provincial team wrest the prestigious silverware from Naitasiri,” Matawalu said.

"I want to thank those who had spent their time and money to cheer for the team. Their tremendous support lifted the spirit of the boys in a tough contest. It was a hard fight and I also congratulate my boys for the long awaited win.

"We've managed to bag both titles this season and I thank the Almighty for giving us the strength."

Victorious Nadroga coach Esala Nauga congratulated the flamboyant performance of his gallant warriors.

“All the sacrifices and dedication has paid off,” he said

Nadroga defeated Naitasiri 31-6 to add the Colonial Farebrother Sullivan Trophy to the Digicel Cup.

Nauga said they came with a lot of expectation to return with the silverware after the game.

"We were not surprised of the result today. It was part of our plan and I thank the Almighty for the win."

Nauga said his boys played with commitment and discipline to take the fight out of a Naitasiri outfit that seemed fatigued.

Nadroga led 14-3 at the break before scoring another two tries and a penalty tries in the second spell to win the game 31-6.

Naitasiri coach Reverend Joji Rinakama said the main reason for his side's defeat at Nausori was a below par fitness level.

"I kept it quiet for sometime but most of the players' fitness was not on level par," he said.

“This is not an excuse for the loss because we went down to a better team.”

The plan is to introduce a fitness program before the competition kicks off next year.

He said since it was his first year with the Naitasiri team, he hopes that improvements will eventually be made next year.

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.