NADROGA, to some extent, have themselves to blame for the 1-3 loss to Ba in the opening round of the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants (BOG) tournament in Subrail Park yesterday.
After levelling the game 1-1 with an Archie Watkins spot kick in the 61st minute, poor defending allowed the Men in Black to score two more goals and take the maximum points from the match.
Known as giant killers for silencing top teams in the past, Nadroga seemed to have gripped the mighty Ba in their young fists but slowly let it loose after a determined Yogendra Dutt-coached side bounced back with goals from Malakai Tiwa and Osea Vakatalesau.
Mavileko Nakama claimed the opening goal after an own goal from Nadroga's Luke Rawadamu.
Coach Dutt was content with the win but wary of the remaining tough matches against Rewa and Labasa. "We came earlier so we can avoid all those tiredness of travel that's why we came in on Thursday which I think helped us," he said.
"We will reflect on this game (against Nadroga) and plan accordingly."
Nadroga assistant coach Waisea Tale Sr said it was never easy to play a team like Ba.
"Playing against Ba is just like playing against Fiji," he said.
"Our centre back was a bit of problem as they opened up a lot to give Ba attackers time to move in."
Tale said the long travelling was also a factor that led to the loss but remained upbeat of their chances in the remaining matches against Labasa and Rewa.