DEFENDING champions of the Vodafone Cup rugby league premier grade competition, Nadera Panthers started their 2012 season on a high note with a crushing 64-0 win over Suva Titans yesterday.
This was the first year for the Titan in the premier grade after they were promoted from the reserve grade last year. It was a batism of fire for them as they were unable to contain th e Panthers who flexed their muscles while they were in full stride yesterday.
Both teams are competing in the Nasinu zone which was played at Bidesi Park yesterday because no grounds in the Nasinu zone boundary were available.
Fiji National Rugby League development officer Sale Tubuna confirmed to Times Sport that the Nasinu zone games will move back to Nasinu next weekend.
"They (Nasinu zone teams) were supposed to play their first round games last week however, we had to postpone it because no grounds were available," Tubuna said.
"And since we have two grounds here (Suva zone), we decided to play the Suva zone on Buckhurst Park and allowed Nasinu to begin their zone competition on Bidesi Park," he said.
"This is round two for the Suva zone and for Nasinu this is the first round."
Other club in the Nasinu zone are Narere Tigers, Davuilevu Knights, Makoi Bulldogs, Kinoya Sea Eagles and the Nakasi Cowboys.
"It's good that at least the Nasinu zone has started their competition.
"By next week we should be able to finalise a venue for them, most likely place is the Ready Action Unit (RAU) grounds in Makoi.
"It will be good for them to take the competition back to their community so it will easier for their own people and supporters."