Nadi successfully defended the Inkk Farebrother Sullivan Trophy challenge after defeating Rewa 25-15 in the Skipper Cup double-header at Prince Charles Park yesterday.
Victory wasn’t easy for the Jetsetters as the Delta Tigers gave them a tough challenge especially after taking a surprise lead in the opening moments of the second spell.
The Jetsetters led 8-3 at half time. Sivaniolo Lumelume scored a try while Sela Toga kicked a penalty for Nadi. Apenisa Deve landed the lone penalty for the boys from the Rewa delta in the first spell.
Rewa hit the lead in the 43rd minute after Samuela Valagi scored a try which Deve converted. Napolioni Dawai and Tevita Mociu then scored a try each for Nadi both of which were converted by Toga.
Apolosi Tamata dotted down for Rewa in the 73rd minute. Rewa coach Ro Alifereti Doviverata said it was a game of opportunities.
Doviverata said Nadi used the opportunities that came their way well.
“Unfortunately for us there were a few opportunities that came our way but we didn’t make use of them,” he said.
“We didn’t use the ball well. We lacked possession. Another downfall was the high rate of penalties that we gave away.
“We cannot afford giving away penalties in this competition and that was also where Nadi capitalised on.
“I congratulate Nadi for defending the trophy again today (yesterday) and hopefully do better when we will meet up again in the second round.”
Rewa first five eight Saula Levata was transported in an ambulance from the ground in a neck brace to the medics room behind the Prince Charles Park following a nasty collision in the second half.
Nadi Rugby Union executive Jeff Tamata said they expected a tough game.
“It’s a Farebrother match and if you look back at history whenever Rewa plays Nadi this is it,” Tamata said.
“We acknowledge Rewa’s effort and they really gave us a good game. I would like to thank their supporters and their coaching staff. Tamata has rated Rewa as one of the teams to look out for this season.
“This is not like the Rewa team that we used to face in previous years,” he said.
“This is a very strong Rewa team. However hats off to our boys for a very good game and in the end we had a very entertaining encounter.”
Nadi will play Naitasiri next while Rewa will host Suva.
Nadi: Ron Katonivere, Maikeli Sivo, Isaia Namote, Sivaniolo Lumelume, Asivurusi Naliga, Ilisoni Galala, Vilive Miramira, Ratu Napolioni Dawai, Anasa Koroitamana, Sela Toga, Jiutasa Nave, Tikiko Koroivoutu, Tevita Mociu, Solomoni Tavai, Navitalai Tuilawa.
Rewa: Iakoba Bose, Sakaraia Vunikauregu, Akuila Sukabula, Kinijoji Lagilagi, Epeli Matata, Mosese Volavola, Etuate Nauluvula, Apolosi Tamata, Samuela Valagi, Saula Levatia, William Tabuaniqili, Wame Qalivutu, Taito Rauluni, Vilive Radiniwasa, Apenisa Deve.
