Final thriller in Fiji
Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:01
In the final of Fiji Digicel Cup Nadi beat Nadroga 10-8 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
It was one of the most exciting rugby finals in recent memory. The Digicel Cup, formally known as the Sanyo Cup, has been running since 1963 as Fiji’s premier provincial tournament. In the last few years, the fight for the cup has often been between the two major powerhouses of Fiji rugby, Nadroga and Nadi.
The top two teams fought relentlessly for the brand new trophy along with the top prize of $20 000. Despite a last-minute try from Apisalome Waqatabu, the Nadi Jets ultimately defeated their hosts to clinch the title in front of a capacity crowd of 15 000 enthusiastic fans.
At half-time Nadi led 10-3.
Nadi scored first when Asaeli Driu goaled a penalty. 3-0 after 8 minutes. Three minutes later Sakiusa Malai, who like captain Driu had missed a penalty, goaled one to make the scores level at 3-all.
No.8 Isei Lewaqai scored Nadi's try on 27 minutes. Wing Iliesa Nalawaniyavi converted. He had already missed a penalty kick at goal and would go on to miss a drop and another penalty in the second half.
The only score in the second half was a try by wing Apisalome Waqatabu five minutes from the end. Unfortunately for Nadi Emesi Vucago missed the conversion.
Afterwards Iliesa Tanivula, the Nadi coach, said: “Defence for the last two quarters of the game was great. We tried to make sure that every aspect of the game was covered especially the set-pieces. I had faith in the boys to come through today.
“Yes, we lost some key players like Driu and Latianara in the first half through injury but we did not give up. I had faith in the players to step up and continue the good work done by their predecessors. And I don't need to tell you how they played. They played their hearts out.
“It’s not over for us. We have the Farebrother Sullivan trophy challenge coming up and the game against the Junior Waratahs. So it will be back to training for us after this.”
Aporosa Vata, the Nadi vice-captain, said: “This would not have been possible without team work. The main goal for us was to come back here today and defend the provincial XVs' title which we have done successfully. My heartfelt appreciation to the players for giving their all and defending our territory especially when Nadroga was coming at us in the second half.”
Joji Rinakama, the Nadroga coach, said: “We did not use possession wisely. There were options we could have taken and scored points but we did not take them. We came out here today looking to defend our ground and win. I guess not everything will go our way.
“All the same, hats off to the Nadi players. They were the better team. On that note, thank you very much to my players for their effort through the season.
"Though we did not win the Digicel Cup, I congratulate my players all the same for reaching this stage in the competition. I would also like to extend a big vinaka vakalevu to the Vanua o Nadroga for their support during my term as coach. Nadroga will always have a special place in my heart. I wish them and the new coach a better season next year.”
Scorers:
For Nadi:
Try: Lewaqai
Con: Nalawaniyavi
Pen: Driu
For Nadroga:
Try: Waqatabu
Pen: Malai
Nadroga: 15 Simeli Koniferedi (Seru Naqasima 42), 14 Epeli Vuicuvu (yellow card 51, Aisea Raitala 61), 13 Naisa Narukutabua, 12 Jimi Mule, 11 Apisalome Waqatabu, 10 Sakiusa Malai (Samu Laqai 52), 9 Emosi Vucago, 8 Iliesa Ratuva (Filipe Kuruvoli 66-69), 7 Sailosi Rabo, 6 Etonia Naba, 5 Sairusi Matava (Aca Ratuva 58) , 4 Inoke Tavuyara, 3 Apisai Turukawa (Setefano Somoca 71), 2 Seremaia Naureure (Bill Gadolo 58), 1 Tiko Matawalu (capt)
Nadi: 15 Asaeli Driu (captain) (Iliesa Nalawaniyavi 16), 14 Isaia Nawaqa, 13 Tevita Latianara (Sunia Vata 37), 12 Vuniani Bari, 11 Sionasa Vunisa, 10 Vereniki Goneva, 9 Aporosa Vata (vice captain), 8 Isei Lewaqai, 7 Kelepi Ketedromo, 6 Jona Tavai, 5 Aloesi Nailiko (Viliame Ratute 77), 4 Turuva Lumelume, 3 Ravuama Samo, 2 Aseri Buli (Napolioni Dawai 76), 1 Viliame Seuseu (John Jackson 83)
Not used: Joe Lotawa, Semi Keli
Referee: Sione Tanoa
Touch judges: Takape Volavola, Petero Misaele
Referee coach/manager: Talemo Waqa
