Jetsetters end Namosi’s reign

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Vatemo Ravouvou of Nadi on attack against Namosi in their Farebrother Sullivan Trophy Challenge at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday. Nadi won 22-21. Picture: RAMA

A 14-man Nadi rugby team created another upset in the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy Challenge after a last-minute try from blindside winger Vilikesa Driu helped them wrest the holy grail of Fiji rugby from holders Namosi 22-21 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday.

The Jetsetters drew first blood when openside flanker Vilive Miramira ran 50 metres to dive under the post and converted by fullback Sela Toga to give them the lead 7-0.

Namosi replied with a try to loosehead prop Aseri Robarobalevu, converted by fly half Alivereti Veitokani to level scores 7-7.

Nadi started the second spell with Toga scoring their second try, converted by first five eighth Vatemo Ravouvou taking them to the lead 14-7.

But Namosi replied in the 55th minute from tighthead prop Alivereti Rabukawaqa and converted by Veitokani to level the scores again 14-all.

Three minutes later, the Namosi backs broke the Nadi defence and inside centre Kalaveti Ravouvou scored again with Veitokani adding the extra two as Namosi led 21-14.

With 20 minutes remaining, Nadi halfback Anasa Vuatalevu was red carded for foul play and Nadi had to play with 14 men.

Referee Tevita Vosalevu awarded Nadi a penalty and they went for the three points to close the gap to 21-17.

Nadi winger Driu was the hero after he sprinted and dived over in the corner to score the winning try 22-21 in the dying moments of the game.

Nadi captain and former Flying Fijian Vere Vugakoto applauded his boys for the win and teamwork.

“We played as a team and when we were down with 14-man I told the boys to believe in themselves and we managed to come out victorious,” said Vugakoto.

“I dedicate this win to all the Nadi fans that came to support us.”

 

Namosi:
1. Aseri Robarobalevu, 2. Seru Cakobau, 3. Alivereti Rakukawaqa, 4. Neori Racule, 5. Eparamma Luvata, 6. Apakuki Vuaviri, 7. Akapusi Roqica, 8. Sakiusa Nadruku, 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Alivereti Veitokani, 11. Asaeli Tuivuaka, 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13. Onisi Ratave, 14. Vibnaya Habosi, 15. Esala Nalobo. Reserves; 16. Temesia Rokotui, 17. Lekima Banuve, 18. Peni Tupou, 19. Tomasi Sovilea, 20. Kelepi Naimasi, 21. Aminiasi Natoga, 22. Meli Nakarawa, 23. Lepani Raiyala.

Nadi:
1. Ron Katonivere, 2. Vere Vugakoto, 3. Joseva Nadolo, 4. Vilikesa Boletawa, 5. Peni Tavua, 6. Jolame Luvevou, 7. Vilive Miramira, 8. Apisai Nagi, 9. Anasa Vuatalevu, 10. Vatemo Ravouvou, 11. Vilikesa Driu, 12. Vilive Aria, 13. Eseroma Naba, 14. Aminio Naseyaba, 15. Sela Toga. Reserves; 16. Viliame Tui, 17. Veiona Toga, 18. Simione Saukuru, 19. Samuela Saqiwa, 20. Sivaniolo Lumelume, 21. Napolioni Dawai, 22. Navitalai Druaiono, 23. Orisi Erenavula.

 

 

 

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