SPORTS

Rewa Hits Back With Bonus Point Win

The Rewa forwards dominated the set pieces and with the support of their backline they managed to score their second try through centre Onisi Ratave while Seru Vaniqi added the extras from the conversion.
19 May 2019 15:15
Rewa Hits Back With Bonus Point Win
Rewa rugby side with supporters celebrate the win at Burebasaga District School ground on May 18, 2019. Photo: Simione Haravanua

Rewa recorded their first win in the 2019 Skipper Cup Premiership after they walloped Namosi 31-15 at Burebasaga District School yesterday.

What happened: Namosi got to a strong start in the opening minutes as their backline powered through the Rewa defence to score their opening try to former national 7s rep Leo Naikasau with the conversion going wide.

The home side regrouped and hit back with a try to fullback Glen Cakautini.

The Rewa forwards dominated the set pieces and with the support of their backline they managed to score their second try through centre Onisi Ratave while Seru Vaniqi added the extras from the conversion.

Namosi replied with a try to Eparama Luvata while fullback Viliame Maiono landed the conversion.

Backed by a vocal crowd Rewa lifted intensity and in the 35th minute scored their third try to halfback Samuela Valagi with Vaniqi;s conversion going over.

Halftime: Rewa 19-12 Namosi.

Scrappy play from Rewa in the opening minutes of the second half saw Maiono kicking a penalty for Namosi.

Rewa’s fitness played a crucial role as they pressured as they ran the heavy Namosi forwards and pressured their backline into mistakes. This saw Cakautini scoring their fourth and bonus point try for the day.

The assistance of former Flying Fijians wing Isireli Bobo to tighten the Rewa’s defence was evident as they grounded the Namosi players with copybook tackles. Their gutsy performance in their scrums and breakdown areas frustrated the Namosi pack.

Rewa had the final say when Wame Naivalu scored their fifth try under the post with the conversion from Vaniqi sealing the 31-15 win.

Comments: Rewa head coach Ro Alifereti Doviverata said: “I told the boys go out there and try to get a bonus point win. They stuck to the game plan and we got the bonus win. We wanted to improve on our defence from the first three games and the boys did well.”

Namosi head coach Akuila Nasi said: “It was a disappointing game but Rewa came prepared for a win. We made very poor decisions and our discipline is also a concern.”

Scorers: Rewa 31 (Glen Cakautini 2 tries, Onisi Ratave 1 try, Samuela Valagi 1 try, Seru Vaniqi 3 con, Wame Naivalu 1 try); Qaqa Namosi 15 ( Leo Naikasau 1 try, Eparama Luvata 1 try, Viliame Maiono 1 con, 1 pen)

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj



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