Farebrother Challenge Match Report: Nadi v Namosi
Nadi has finally stripped the prestigious Farebrother Sullivan Trophy from Namosi 22 – 21, in an exuberant, and entertaining game of rugby at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.
Namosi build the momentum early, executing phases and gaining more territories, but Nadi hold their ground and counters Namosi’s attack really well.
The contest was pretty tough and both sides decided to play territorial rugby, with momentum building up both teams didn’t one to bring the pressure onto their own 22m zones, so kicking game was frequent.
Nadi executed some fashionable setpieces which exploited the Namosi defense, and their flowing play was just brilliant throughout the game.
Namosi’s offloading game also caused a bit of chaos for Nadi, as they manage to apply pressure onto Nadi, while gaining meters.
What happened.
A loose pass from Namosi also led to an opening try as Vilive Miramira of Nadi picked up the ball running straight to score their first try on the 13 minutes, with the conversion from Sela Toga 7 – 0.
On the 39 minutes, Namosi was sharp with their attack inside Nadi’s 22, the forwards went to work driving through Nadi’s defense, and a powering run from Aseri Robarobalevu penetrated through the defense and got them their first try as Veitokani added the extra 2 points 7 – before heading out for the break.
Coming to the second half, Nadi set the tone early as they applied pressure onto Namosi before taking the play out wide with the overlap, while Sela Toga sprinted his way for the try line and Ravouvou converted the try 14 – 7
Namosi replied with 2 quick tries on the 51 and 52 minutes from Alivereti Rabukawaqa and Kaliveti Ravouvou, both converted by Veitokani putting them on the lead 21 – 14.
On the 57 minutes, Eparama Luvata of Namosi was sent to the bin for a high tackle, and seven minutes later Nadi halfback Anasa Vuatalevu was handed a red card for stepping on a Namosi player’s face.
67 minutes and Namosi conceded a penalty right in front of their goal post, allowing Sela Toga of Nadi to add another 3 points 21 – 17.
It was right in the dying minutes when Nadi was on the attack, from the halfway line, they continue to keep the ball in play, followed by a smooth break from Navitalai Druaiono who ran straight to score the winning try in the corner, giving Nadi the sweet victory to claim the prestigious Farebrother Trophy.
Namosi has defended the Trophy in 4 challenges and on the fifth one, Nadi stripped off the trophy from them.
Nadi will now defend the Trophy in the last challenge against Tailevu at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.