Nadi crowned 2022 Skipper Cup champions

It was a scintillating 2022 Skipper Cup final as hosts Nadi were crowned the champions beating Naitasiri 16-11 at Prince Charles Park today.

Nadi started the game on a high note and managed to go first on the scoresheet after Tunidau Rafaele slotted in the perfect penalty. Naitasiri’s Etonia Rokotuiwasa then levelled it up 3-all.

15 minutes into the game, Kitione Taliqa beautifully defeated two defenders to dive in for the first try. 10 minutes later Nadi gets punished for a foul play in their territory as Rokotuiwasa slots in his second penalty kick.

Nadi took a slender lead of 8-6 at the breather.

Naitasiri fly-half Rokotuiwasa was on top of his game as he kicked his third successful penalty taking a narrow lead of 9-8.

It was a see-saw game as Rafaele slotted his second penalty kick which saw Nadi taking an 11-9 lead on the scoreboard.

It was a master class play from Naitasiri in the 53^rd minute as Kini Douglas broke through Nadi’s defense and then a few quick hands from his teammates saw Viliame Kanatabua dive in for a try.

While it looked all good for Naitasiri on the scoreboard, it was Nadi who continued to apply numerous pressure on their opponents and it paid them off in the 38^th minute. It was captain Sivaniolo Lumelume who scored the winning try.

Nadi defeated Naitasiri 16-14 and sealed the win in style in front of a packed crowd.

Nadi captain Lumelume said it was a tough game as they were under pressure a number of times.

“Hats-off to my boys who played their hearts out. We knew there was a chance for us to do something special in front of our home crowd that’s what kept on motivating us.

We also want to thank the supporters who came out in numbers to help us win the title this year” said Lumelume.

Meanwhile, Namosi won the Development Division trophy beating Naitasiri 22-15 and Nadi took the Under-19 title beating Suva 19-18.