Nadroga retains Farebrother Trophy

The Nadroga rugby side has successfully defended the Innk Farebrother Trophy after defeating Rewa 20-10 Lawaqa Park yesterday.

It was an intense affair which saw Nadroga come out strongly and holding on with a stubborn defence towards the end.

Nadroga fullback Jack Volavola had a busy afternoon as he kicked the first points from a penalty in the sixth minute to put the Stallions up by three points.

Their flanker Joji Kunavula scored the first try of the match in the 15th minute which was converted by Volavola to extend their lead to 10-nil.

The home side kept pressing and it was in the 37th minute when winger Panapasa Qeruqeru dived in the corner to get the last points of the first spell to see Nadroga leading 15-nil at halftime.

Rewa flyhalf Filipe Qoro kicked his side’s first points from a penalty to decrease the margin to 15-3 in the 43rd minute.

Replacement backline player Taniela Rakuro scored Nadroga’s third try 10 minutes from time to seal the win for the Stallions.

Rewa tried hard and were finally rewarded with a consolation try on stoppage time when fullback Saula Lavetia pounced on a loose ball to score the last try of the game.

Nadroga captain Ratu Naisa Navuma said his team was confident of winning the match.

“It was a tough game and I thank Rewa for the challenge. We came into this match as the holders and we knew we will win,” Navuma said.

He added the fans played a major part in the success of the team.

“I want to thank the fans for coming out in numbers and supporting the side. We appreciate each and everyone and I would like to say this one is for you.”

Meanwhile, Nadroga will keep the Farebrother Trophy for the remainder of this season as yesterday’s match was the last challenge of the year.

Both teams will now focus on their last round of Skipper Cup games next week.