Caption: Outrigger on the Lagoon general manager Peter Hopgood hands over a cheque to the Nadroga side which was surrounded by fans after the win against Namosi. Photo: SUNAIL NAIR.
By SUNAIL NAIR
Defending champions Outrigger on the Lagoon Nadroga is through to the Digicel Cup Finals after Thrashing Namosi 35 – 5 at Lawaqa Park on Saturday.
The Stallions proved too strong for the underdog Namosi, who were laced with 3 Fiji Sevens Reps. Nadroga ran in with 5 tries to Namosi only penalty which was converted by Fly Half Semesa Takirua. Nadroga’s Nemani Raiwalui kicked an early penalty and conversion.
Namosi Struck first and were looking good with early possession in Nadroga’s 22 meter line and missing a penalty from 35 yards. Little did they know that would be the last points to their side of the scoreboard.
Nadroga pulled their high gears and did not look back from there, with a penalty and 2 converted tries, with tries coming from Ratu Meli Kurisaru and went to break with scores 20 – 3.
The stallions made three changes at the breather and started the game where they left off at the break, the stallions ran riot in second half scoring 3 tries and sealing a grand home Final.
Rain slowed the game with slippery conditions forcing errors from both team. But this did not stop spirited Nadroga from stamping their mark in local rugby once more and getting the favorites tag for the upcoming Digicel Cup Final.
The stallions will face off with the winner of the second semifinalist which will be played between Nadi and Suva this week.