MATCH REPORT: INKK Farebrother Trophy Nadi V Naitasiri

It was a nail-biting INKK Fiji Rugby Farebrother Trophy clash between holders Nadi and challenges Naitasiri at Prince Charles Park today.

The electrifying match started on a high momentum with the host being the better team to settle first on the park.

They opened the account with Napolioni Ratu scoring the first try in the 9^th minute but the Highlanders bounced back straight after with Maleli Lesavua pulled a try back.

Naitasiri picked up the momentum and scored to unanswered tries through Necani Nawaqadau and Sireli Kaloucava.

The visitors took a firm lead of 15-10 at the breather.

The final 40 got more interesting after Maikeli Sivo scored a try for Nadi in the 51^st minute. Scores were levelled up 15-all.

Naitasiri again mounted the pressure on the Nadi defense and after hanging around in their 22 for more 10 minutes, Tomasi Naiduki run in for the final try.

The host had the opportunity in the final 5 minutes, they stayed calm and took advantage of every foul. It looked like Nadi were on the verge of retaining the trophy but the dreams shattered when a Jet set player dropped the ball on the try line.

Naitasiri Manager Maciu Koroi said it was a sweet revenge against Nadi here at Prince Charles Park.

“We remember when last time we met at Ratu Cakobau Park, they defeated us and took the trophy.

We are fortunate to come here after two years and beat a strong Nadi side at their home ground” said Koroi.

Naitasiri lock Chris Minimbi said it was one of the hardest game he has played so far.

“That last 5 minute was where we gave everything.

Nadi was a really strong team and they just came fired against us” said Minimbi.