FIJI Bitter Suva is the new holder of the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy after an upset 20-17 win over Nadroga in a tough and bruising clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
The Samu Bola-captained side played an outstanding game in the second half where they outmuscled the Outrigger on the Lagoon side, scoring two unanswered tries.
Nadroga had led 11-3 at half-time.
Nadroga looked out of form particularly in the second half and the high number of unforced errors allowed Suva to make a successful comeback and win the coveted silverware after a seven-year wait. The heavy ground conditions favoured the capital side as they dominated the forward clash with skipper Bola leading the way.
Suva coach Salimoni Ravouvou said they came focused and he was glad his boys stuck to the game plan until the final whistle.
Ravouvou said while he congratulated his boys for a job well done he still rated Nadroga highly.
“Our mission was to take the Farebrother back to Suva and we’ve achieved that this afternoon (yesterday),” Ravouovu said.
“But in saying that I must also congratulate Nadroga for giving their best in this match and we really had to give more than 100 per cent to win the title.”
Nadroga skipper Jonetani Ratu said they lost to a better team.
Ratu said Suva played a better game.
“While I thank Suva for winning the title I also want to thank the Nadroga players for giving their best in this clash,” Ratu said.
“I also want to thank our fans for coming out in large numbers to support the team.”
The win has changed the program for the next Farebrother challenge as now Suva will face neighbours Naitasiri in the fifth match of the series.