Ryder, Nawaka beaten

The Fiji Times - Friday, March 07, 2008 11:42 PM

William Ryder was shut out of his game as defending champions Nawaka was relegated from the Fiji Bitter Cup competition at the Marist Sevens yesterday.

Unknown Saint Michael’s Liganibai from Navunikabi Village in Namosi pressurized their highly fancied opposition from the start and eventually won with a try at the death.

Japan-based Fiji sevens icon Ryder failed to weave his magic for the western giants.

He was caught in possession time and again and replaced in the second spell as the minnows tightened the screws with, at times, an impeccable defensive effort to pull off a well-deserved 17-14 win.

“We are very happy,” an elated Liganibai team manager Mikaele Masi said afterwards.

“To win this match means a lot especially to a small village team like us.”

Nawaka, playing without inspirational captain Semisi Naevo who was injured in an earlier game, were rocked by two quick tries by Basilio Tikiko and Iowane Naqele.

A late rally wasn’t enough as Kalisito Vecenavuka clinched the winner by diving over in the corner.

Nawaka had earlier draw 19-all with Island Babas and will feature in the Fiji Draught competition with Liganibai and Island Babas making it into the main competition.

Sigatoka Police, featuring national reps Etonia Naba, Epeli Vuniwaqa and Iliesa Ratuva, failed to make the cut into the top draw as well.

The side lost 12-14 to Lepani Nabuliwaqa’s Red Rock and by the same scoreline to Waisali Evergreen.