Nadroga downs Namosi

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Sevuloni Tawake scores for Nadroga against Namosi during their clash at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday. Picture: BALJEET SINGH

FORMER Fiji 7s playmaker Alivereti Veitokani scored 16 points to help Namosi secure a 26-17 win over Skipper Cup reigning champion BLK Nadroga Stallions at Lawaqa Park yesterday. The nippy playmaker kicked four penalties and two conversions to keep his team’s semi-final hopes alive.

Veitokani’s reliable boot and wonderfully judged place kicks forced the Stallions on the back foot on many occasions giving his side the opportunity to capitalise.

Namosi skipper Mosese Voka led by example scoring the first try of the game early in the game to inspire his players.

Veitokani dissected the uprights before the Stallions hit back with two quick tries to Joseva Nahalo and Setefano Samoca.

Flyer Timoci Sinate pulled one back for Namosi after soring a classic try on the corner to lead 20-10 at the break.

Indiscipline and few key individual decision making led to Nadroga’s downfall allowing Veitokani to score six points from two penalties in the second spell.

Versatile Nadroga open side flanker Sevuloni Tawake scored a consolation try for the Stallions which was converted by Jiuta Lutumailagi.

The reigning champion played without nine key players who were part of the Fiji Warriors while Namosi was bolstered with the services of experienced players such as Veitokani Seru Vularika, Voka, Aca Simolo, Leveni Kurumudu, Sakiusa Nadruku, Veramu Dikidikilati, Cyril Reece and Jale Sassen.

Some of the key Nadroga boys in the Fiji Warriors that missed out on the game were Apete Daveta, Sakiusa Gavidi, Ifereimi Tovilevu, Timoci Sauvoli and Sailosi Dawai, Nadroga captain Rupeni Nasiga said indiscipline allowed Namosi to score easy points.

He said the absence of their nine Fiji Warriors players had nothing to do with the loss and congratulated Namosi for the win. “We let ourselves down by giving away penalties but I thank the boys for their effort,” said Nasiga.

Namosi head coach Akuila Nasi said the team wanted the win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

He said the boys played their hearts out to deny Nadroga a home game win.

“We came here to win and we are happy with our performance,” said Nasi.

Namosi earlier defeated Rewa but lost to Naitasiri, Malolo and Suva while the Stallions earlier lost to Nadi and won against Naitasiri, Suva and Navosa.

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