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Namosi secure Farebrother Sullivan Trophy
The second Farebrother challenge between Namosi and Nadroga was a high calibre battle between two structured and swift outfits who battled from kick off to the final whistle.
It was an intense encounter and both teams showcased some brilliant rugby proving that local competition has gone up another level.
Fans at Lawaqa were treated to fast following rugby and the energy from the crowd elevated the player’s spirit making this match a spectacular one.
Clearly aware of the lethal inclusion of Sevuloni Mocenacagi for Nadroga side, Namosi came into this game making sure that no space was to be given away to the Fijian 7s powerhouse. Namosi defense attempted to cause chaos for Nadroga but the Stallions persisted with their disciplined game plan.
Early on Nadroga dominated the scrum causing some unforced errors to the Namosi side, however they responded strongly keeping the ball down at Nadro’s 22m zone piling on the pressure.
After fifteen minutes, Nadroga’s Joeli Lutumailagi was given a yellow card for tackling Lepani Raiyala in mid-air which allowed Esala Natoga to slot a 3 pointer taking the lead for Namosi.
Indiscipline caused another penalty against Nadroga giving another opportunity to Namosi as they kicked into touch the Namosi forwards went to work with prop Aseri Robarobalevu forcing his way over the try line further extending their lead 10 – 0.
Exciting scrumhalf Peceli Nacebe slotted a 3 pointer for Nadroga at the 30 minute mark, putting the home side on the scoreboard before the halftime break.
Namosi hit the scoreboard first in the second half with Peni Matawalu making a clean break and offloading to outside center Orisi Ratave who ran straight for the try line giving Nadroga a tougher chase at 15 – 3.
24 min before fulltime Nadroga forward pack penetrated their way towards Namosi defense with a patient pick and drive, gained solid meters until captain Rupeni Nasiga finally landed the ball closing the gap 8 – 15.
The arm wrestle continued with no further points and Namosi stripped the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy from the Stallions.
Namosi will now defend at home against Naitasiri next weekend in round 3 of Skipper Cup.
In other Skipper match, Suva beat Yasawa 10 – 3, Tailevu beat Lautoka 26 – 17, and Naitasiri beat Nadi 23 – 8.