Naitasiri defend Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy with 18-11 win over Nadroga at Ratu Cakobau Park
Naitasiri produced a strong second-half performance to edge Nadroga 18-11 and defend the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy in Round 3 of the Skipper Cup at Ratu Cakobau Park. The Highlanders trailed at halftime, 6-3, after Nadroga landed two penalties from Jone Vatuwaliwali while Naitasiri’s only points in the first 40 minutes came from Senijale Qiokata’s boot.
Nadroga extended their lead early in the second half when fullback Sefanaia Tokaduadua crossed but Naitasiri fought back, with Etonia Rokotuisawa adding a penalty to swing the momentum and cut the gap to five points. From there, Nadroga’s backline errors proved costly as Naitasiri struck twice in quick succession, with Apimeleki Naboleqa scoring first and Sakaraia Soqosoqonakalou powering over late to seal the victory.
The result is a redemption for Naitasiri after their defeat to Tailevu last week and ensures the prestigious Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy stays with the Highlanders for at least another week. Looking ahead, Naitasiri are set to defend the cup again next week, likely against Tailevu.
Key moments
– Nadroga led 6-3 at the break thanks to two penalties by Jone Vatuwaliwali; Qiokata contributed Naitasiri’s points in the first half.
– Tokaduadua’s early second-half try gave Nadroga breathing room before Naitasiri’s comeback.
– Naboleqa’s early second-half try and Soqosoqonakalou’s late score clinched the win for Naitasiri.
Commentary
Naitasiri’s victory reinforces the competitive depth of Fiji’s Skipper Cup as the season progresses, with a strong second-half performance highlighting their resilience and game management under pressure. Nadroga, while disappointed, showed moments of promise but could not convert errors into a win against a determined defending champion.
Next up
Naitasiri continue their Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy defense with another home match, this time against Tailevu. The Skipper Cup landscape remains highly competitive as teams chase conference gaps and trophy prestige.
Fijian summary
Veivakatakilakila ena vuli vakaViti
Na Naitasiri e vakavinakataka na nodra Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy ena dua na voli mai Nadroga, 18-11, ena Ratu Cakobau Park. E tiko ena kedra iVolivoli na Nadroga e 6-3 ena tolu ni pare ni lewenivanua, ia na Naitasiri e caka na nodra ivakatakilakila e rawarawa ka laki vakadodonutaka na veiliutaki. E curuma o Naboleqa kei Soqosoqonakalou me vakacabora na kena ikuri ni qaqa. Na dua na macawa ni sailing, na Naitasiri na vakabibitaka na Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy tale beka, kei na soqo ni veisau vou.
Note: The Fijian summary above offers a concise recap in the local language. If you’d like a different style or more technical rugby terms included, I can adjust.
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