Uunder heavy rain, the Namosi rugby side stood tall at the wet ANZ Stadium in Laucala Bay, yesterday to keep the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy for another week.
Namosi defeated the visiting Yasawa side 21-3 watched by a small crowd in its fifth title defence in Suva.
The challengers from Yasawa came with a very big intention as it was their first title challenge in their history but the warriors from Nabukebuke came out strongly, dominating their Farebrother/Skipper Cup double-header.
The wet weather and the slippery ground had a great impact on both sides as hard worked possession was lost through dropped balls.
Alivereti Veitokani was the saviour for his side after he booted 11 points.
He was impressive with his running and kicking game, and also made three line breaks during the slippery encounter.
Small in stature, the Tailevu man was able to hold his own against the big Yasawa forwards and Namosi manager Jo Vosanibola commended Veitokani’s performance as he brought a wealth of experience to the side.
“He showed his interest in representing his adopted province and we welcome him,” Vosanibola said after the game.
Tries to Meli Nakarawa, Onisi Ratave and a conversion and a penalty to Veitokani helped the defending champion take a 15-3 lead in first half. In the second half Veitokani converted two more penalty to clinch the title. “Veitokani’s running game was a bit spoiled today because of the weather,” Vosanibola said.
“But we are happy for the win.” Vosanibola said the side had experienced playing both under sunny and wet weather. He said the team and the coaching staff would go back to the drawing board to plan their next game with Lautoka and trophy defence against Nadi.
“This is the fifth defence and the tempo his high especially after defending the trophy for the fifth time,” he said. Yasawa coach Kalisito Tunaulu said his side lacked the mentality of playing 80 minutes game.
“The islanders can beat any team at any given date but completing the entire game is our downfall,” the former Lomaiviti rugby captain and bank officer said.
Yasawa’s lone points came from Joseva Vetaukula.
Meanwhile two players from each side were taken for drug test after the Fiji Rugby Union’s agreement.
Teams:
Namosi: 1. Aseri Robarobalevu 2. Jone Naqiri 3. Alivereti Rabukawaqa 4. Neori Racule 5. Eparama Luvata 6. Apakuki Vuaviri 7 Akapusi Roqica 8. Kelepi Naimasi 9 Peni Matawalu 10. Alivereti Veitokani 11. Lepani Raiyala 12. Alaveti Ravouvou 13. Onisi Ratave 14. Apenisa Ratukabu 15. Meli Nakarawa Reserves: 16. Manoa Mocelulu 17. Lekima Banuve 18. Peni Tupou 19. Tomasi Sovilea 20. Penijamini Kaumaitoga 21. Aminiasi Natoga 22. Tira Welagi 23. Esala Nalobo
Yasawa: 1. Sailosi Sekitoga 2. Maikeli Sivo 3. Tomasi Nawaqa 4. Manasa Vavanitawake 5. Brian Duaibe 6. Seru Momo 7. Timoci Ratu 8. Rusiate Waqa 9. Filimoni Morawa 10. Joseva Vetaukula 11. Inia Rokomatu 12. Jone Tanoa 13. Eliki Naikusa 14. Tomasi Ralulu 15. Maikeli Rokodinono. Reserves: 16. Esala Balenatabua 17. Osea Sadrau 18. Pita Vukimatana 19. Urai Vota 20. Ovini Nawalu 21. Tevita Volavola 22. Taufa Baravi 23. Stareki Navorua
