Naitasiri head coach Ilaitia Tuisese Jr attributed their 25-15 bonus point win over Farebrother holder Namosi to nothing but hard-work and sacrifice.
“The boys have put in the effort,” Tuisese said post match at Ratu Cakobau Park yesterday.
“They came with the will to win and it’s the hard work and sacrifice that goes into it that has paid off today.”
After a 14-11 shock loss last week, Tuisese said it was no easy feat to follow up with a win, especially against the Farebrother holder.
“It’s hard to come out against a strong team like Namosi, they beat Nadroga last week and are the champions, but all credit to the boys for getting it done.”
Naitasiri skipper Sireli Kaloucava opened proceedings with the powerful number eight crashing over from the five metre line with fullback Kini Douglas missing the conversion.
Namosi struck back almost immediately with a set piece move originating from within the Naitasiri 22 to allow openside wing Tira Walagi with a classic dive over in the corner which was unconverted.
Naitaisiri backed by a vocal crowd scored their second try on 31 minutes off a set-piece with blind wing receiving a sharp pass from Douglas to score, also unconverted.
The Highlanders looked to end the first half on a high and were rewarded, after multiple pick and drives put right lock Jone Raibevu over and Douglas missing his third kick of the day.
Naitasiri led at half-time by 15-5. Naitasiri scored a bonus point try a minute into the second half with try scoring ace and open wing Seveci Nakailagi intercepting a loose pass to run untouched to the tryline.
Douglas finally finding his form nailed the conversion.
Namosi skipper Sakiusa Nadruku who had worked tirelessly all day, led from the front and looked to revive a counter attack and got the visitors’ second try with fly half Joseva Vunisa missing his second conversion.
Douglas increased the homesides lead with a successful penalty from right in front after Namosi was penalised in the ruck for a technical foul.
Tensions flared with both sides feeling the humidity edged on by their passionate supporters.
Walagi made amends for his earlier sin-bin keeping the Farebrother holders in the game as a lapse of concentration in the Naitasiri defence allowing the slippery agent to score his second try with Vunisa a sway with the conversion, the final say of the game.
Teams:
Naitasiri: 1. Josua Qaduadua 2. Jone Vatukela 3. Samu Tawake 4. Esikia Macu 5. Jone Raibevu 6. Necani Nawaqadau 7. Tomasi Naiduki 8. Sireli Kaloucava 9. Jone Navuso 10. Vuate Karawalevu 11. Tomasi Vula 12. Epeli Ratabacaca 13. Kaliova Mocetadra 14. Seveci Nakailagi 15. Kini Douglas Reserves: 16. Seremaia Naureure 17. Immanuel Naciva 18. Joeli Veitayaki 19. Vatiliai Matakaca 20. Jonacani Nevaca 21. Peni Tubuna 22. Maleli Lesavua 23. Vatiliai Vosawale
Namosi: 1. Atu Maiono 2. Seru Cakobau 3. Peni Tupou 4. Semi Baivi 5. Tomasi Sovilea 6. Kelepi Naimasi 7. Risiate Tadulala 8. Sakiusa Nadruku 9. Netava Koroisau 10. Joseva Vunisa 11. Apenisa Ratukabu 12. Cyril Reece 13. Apete Daveta 14. Tira Walagi 15. Meli Nakarawa reserves: 16. Jone Naqiri 17. Lekima Banuve 18. Temesia Rokotui 19. Emori Racule 20. Eparama Luvata 21. Peni Matawalu 22. Esala Nalobo 23. Aliposo Rauto
