LAUTOKA’s chances of a making the Digicel Cup semi-final looks firm after they upset title holders Nadroga 25-22 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka yesterday.
The Outriger on the Lagoon- sponsored Nadroga side played with 13 men in the last five minutes of the game after referee Mika Rokodrakia sent two Nadroga players off.
Winger Aporosa Tabulawaki was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Lautoka fullback Jaoji Dakuvula while flanker Semesa Gonevou was yellow carded for illegal play. Rokodrakia said Tabulawaki was sent off for punching.
Both teams scored three tries each but the deadly left boot of Flying Fijians fullback Dakuvula was the difference.
Former national 7s rep Iliesa Ratuva drew first blood for the home side with a try after some hard work from the forwards.
The try was not converted and Nadroga led 5-0.
Lautoka replied two minutes later after Nadroga allowed the ball to bounce from a high kick and managed to cross the tryline after a few phases.
Dakuvula converted to see Lautoka leading 7-5.
Nadroga hit back when 7s winger Joeli Lutumailagi showed brilliant footwork by evading three would-be tacklers before unloading to captain Paula Karatu, who dotted down for his team’s second try.
Nadroga scored their third try to Seveci Taka to see them comfortably in front, 18-7, at half-time.
Fans from both sides anticipated a Nadroga whitewash but the Sugar City boys had other ideas as they put up strongly in the second spell to completely shut out the Nadroga momentum.
Lautoka scored their second try within two minutes of the restart but Dakuvula failed to convert to see them trail Nadroga 12-18.
Dakuvula made amends for the missed conversion as he nailed a penalty minutes later to cut the deficit to 19-15.
Nadroga first five-eighth Meli Kurisaru increased Nadroga’s lead to 22-15 with a penalty but Lautoka knew victory was in sight with the subsequent sending off of the two players.
With two extra men Lautoka managed to score 10 points within a space of 10 minutes.,
Lautoka manager Ratu Jone Bouwalu was a jubilant man after the game.
“It is always an achievement for any team to beat Nadroga on home turf,” Ratu Jona said.
“Our defence was off in the first half but we told the boys during the half-time break to attack their inside backs and to try and suck in the big Nadroga forwards.”
Nadroga coach Esala Nauga said there were still many areas that needed to be fixed before they play Ovalau next week.
“One of the key areas is our discipline,” he said.
“I’m happy with the boys but we will iron out our mistakes during training this week.”
In the Under-20 game Nadroga remained unbeaten after a close 16-15 win over Lautoka.
Source: Fiji Times 11/07/10
