Naitasiri successfully defended the Inkk Farebrother Trophy with a commanding 39-16 victory over Malolo in Nausori. The match showcased intense competition typical of Fijian rugby, with Malolo initially taking the lead through a penalty kick by Penaia Ledua early in the game.
As the first half unfolded, Naitasiri struggled with disciplinary issues, exemplified by a try from Jone Naqiri that was overturned after a review indicated a forward pass. Naitasiri ended the half ahead at 17-6 but faced mounting tensions, as multiple scuffles broke out on the field.
Entering the second half, Naitasiri maintained their edge, scoring a penalty, an unconverted try, and another converted try. Malolo, despite finishing the match with only 13 men due to discipline issues, managed to score a penalty and a converted try towards the end.
Post-match, Naitasiri captain Asaeli Rokoua highlighted the need to improve discipline for future matches. He commended his teammates for their efforts, particularly the forwards, while acknowledging areas for improvement, particularly within the backline. Malolo’s captain, Imanueli Bari, celebrated his team’s spirit and resilience, stating that despite the numerical disadvantage, they finished strong.
Next week, Naitasiri is set to defend their title against Tailevu, while Malolo will face Ba. The Skipper Cup season continues to build excitement, with results from the first round including Suva defeating Ba 35-13 and Nadroga winning against Macuata 39-18, among others, signaling a competitive and engaging season ahead for rugby fans in Fiji.
This match not only reflects the ongoing growth of rugby in Fiji but also the resilience of teams like Malolo, who strive to make their mark in the top tier after a lengthy hiatus. The community spirit and support behind both teams are prominent positive forces as the season progresses.
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