Skipper Cup semifinal Match Report: Naitasiri v Nadroga

Naitasiri has secured their spot for the 2020 Skipper Cup grand finale after edging Nadroga in a scintillating semifinal at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

It was an intense encounter between the two teams which ended on 17 all before going into the extra time.

Nadroga was down to 13 men after a player was given a red card while the second player was given a yellow card, but the stallions continue to counter the strong Naitasiri attack.

15 minutes into the first half, Naitasiri draws first blood after tighthead prop Solomoni Navuso powered his way to the try line putting the highlander up on the scoreboard 5 – 0.

6 minutes later Nadroga replied with a try from Naelesoni Sokitabua before Sakiusa Gavidi slotted in the conversion putting them in the lead 7 – 5 before heading out for the halftime break.

In the 54 minutes, Naitasiri forwards continues to power through the Nadroga defense within Nadro’s 22, while Naitasiri captain Sireli Kaloucava penetrated through the Nadroga defense to score another try for the highlanders 10 – 7.

On the 59 minutes, Naitasiri conceded a penalty before Nadroga’s Jiuta Lutumailaga slotted in the 3 pointers leveling the score margin 10 – 10.

in the 73 minutes, Nadroga’s Jasa Veremalua scored another try for Nadroga while Gavidi added the extra 2 points putting them in the lead 17 – 10.

And 7 minutes later Naitasiri’s Joe Qaduadua replied with another try while Maleli Leasavua converted it over leveling the score 17 – 17 and putting the game into extra time.

Nine minutes into extra time, Nadroga conceded a penalty inside their 22 right in front of the goal post, while Naitasiri’s Etonia Rokotuisawa kicked the winning penalty securing their spot into the 2020 Skipper Cup grand finale.

In the other semifinal, defending champion Suva beat Namosi 24 –16 to secure their spot to the final 3 years in a row.

Naitasiri will take on Suva in the Skipper Cup grand finale next week.