DEFENDING champion Nadi will face Lautoka in the Digicel Cup semi-final after successfully taming Ovalau in a postponed fixture at Prince Charles Park yesterday.
Nadi's 28-6 bonus point victory nudged them into the fourth spot, ahead of Northland.
But, it was a far from clinical display by the home side, who struggled in the first half.
Ovalau led 6-0 early before powerful lock Aloesi Nailiko brought Nadi into the match with a try mid-way in the spell.
A pep talk by coach Iliesa Tanivula fired up the Jetsetters in the second half as they ran in three more tries to claim a bonus point.
Tanivula was happy with the result but said his players would have to lift themselves against Lautoka.
Tanivula said it was a scrappy first half marked by a lack of commitment.
"A win is a win and we will take it," Tanivula said. "But I don't believe we gave it our best in the first half.
"It was certainly scrappy play from the boys. There were too many lazy runners.
"At half-time I stressed their combinations and the need to retain the ball.
"They came out strongly in the second half and we scored three wonderful tries."
Ovalau had a perfect start, with fullback Ioane Varani nailing a penalty in the third minute. Varani made it 6-0 with a second penalty six minutes later.
Referee James Bolabiu penalised Ovalau for being offside in the 19th minute and Nadi took the quick tap.
The Jetsetters drove towards the Ovalau line, with Nailiko being driven over. Sanaila Cava kicked the conversion.
The home side lead 7-6 at half-time and five minutes into the second half, claimed a turnover.
Isaia Nawaqa then showed his class, running in between the uprights from inside the Ovalau 22-metre territory.
That try ignited the home side as they gained confidence.
Replacement Saimoni Nuku scored Nadi's third try in the 55th minute. Aporosa Vata came off the bench to score Nadi's fourth try.
Tanivula said his players had two weeks to prepare for their semi-final.
"To beat Lautoka we will have to lift one hundred per cent," Tanivula said. "I know that Lautoka is ready for us."
Ovalau coach Evi Vinakadina said Nadi was a better team on the day. He said his side had improved from last year.
"This year we have finished in the top eight and will get a chance to challenge for the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy next year," Vinakadina said.
Nadi: Autiko Domonakibau, Sakeo Latianara, Viliame Seuseu, Niumaia Bari, Aloesi Nailiko, Jona Tavai, Turuva Lumelume, Jo Sovau, Luke Mataika, Ilisoni Ratusai, Eseroma Naba, Vuniani Bari, Adriu Delai, Isaia Nawaqa, Sanaila Cava. Reserves: Napolioni Dawai, Ravuama Samo, Akuila Matanibukaca, Seta Ratatagia, Aporosa Vata, Sunia Vata, Saimoni Nuku.
Ovalau: Carl Williams, Vosarogo, Maciu Roko, Jone Railomo, Vonivate Vateitei (c), Ulaiasi Vosaicake, Misinai Tuinakaroni, Sowani Saunitoga, Taniela Varamusu, Jonacani Sesekonamata, Joseva Sesevu, Neumi Lagilagi, Jone Dau, Opeti Katoni, Tomasi Mekemeke, Ioane Varani. Reserves: Josevata Taucili, Rupeni Rokotakala, Apenisa Qiri, Inia Suka,, Lagitukana Inoke, Maika Vere.
