A powerful all-round display from Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy holders Nadroga saw them crush Nadi 31-14 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday,
The Stallions scored four tries to Nadi's two but it was the tough defence from Nadroga which saw them deny Nadi numerous scoring opportunities during their 80 minute battle.
The win was Nadroga's third in this years challenge series.
Nadroga had sent in a very experienced team against a young Nadi side and they quickly made their mark very early on in the game.
While the Nadroga forwards worked together as a unit whenever they had possession the Nadi pack worked overtime to try and contain them throughout the match.
The lighter but mobile Nadi pack also had their opportunity to run the ball and in one of their forays into the Nadroga 22 metre line resulted in a try to number eight Jiuta Takubu.
Nadroga first five-eighth Jiuta Lutumailagi was the mastermind of their attacks with his big clearing kicks and ability to break open the defence.
Lutumailagi's combination with Emosi Vucago, who made his first appearance for Nadroga yesterday, will be a key factor in the champion's future Farebrother campaigns.
Nadroga manager Paula Biu said the challenge would keep getting harder as showed by Nadi yesterday.
The former Nadroga prop said they selected one of their best teams yesterday because they knew Nadi would be a formidable side in the challenge.
"This was always the case when Nadroga face Nadi in the Farebrother challenge and today's game was no different," Biu said.
Biu said the win yesterday was now history as they now look forward to the next challenge from Suva next Saturday.
"Our coaching staff led by head coach Esala Nauga had a game-plan for Nadi yesterday and they now will be working on a new game- plan to suit the game against Suva."
"We know the remaining challenges will all be very tough so we will prepare well for them."
Nadi captain Sikeli Gavidi said after the game that they lost to a better team. Gavidi thanked his boys for a giving their best against the champion team.
Nadroga led 22-7 at the break and another powerful performance in the second half saw them retaining the coveted silverware with a convincing victory.