Avinesh Suwamy put in an inspired performance from midfield to lead Ba to a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Rewa in the Vodafone Premier League at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.

The 33-year-old set-up both goals to Solomon Island forward Dar­old Kakasi and striker Sanaila Waqanicakau as Ba handed Rewa their fifth loss in seven matches.

Although the hosts piled on the pressure late in the second-half, the defeat left them on last place in the standings at the half-way point of the VPL season.

Ba, on the other hand, jointly lead the standings with Lautoka after amassing 13 points from go­ing undefeated in five matches, in­cluding four wins and a draw.

Rewa conceded both goals from set-pieces which will be a genuine concern for new coach Pita Rabo heading into their final seven matches of the VPL season.

With Rabo still disallowed from being on the bench, Rewa had former national team goalkeeper Tagi Vonolagi temporarily filling in the coaching role.

Rewa struggled to cope with the visitors’ high press in the first-half but soaked up the early pres­sure well despite committing er­rors in dangerous positions.

Ba scored in the 19th-minute through the left-footed Kakasi, who beat goalkeeper Jovilisi Bo­risi from an acute angle after a Suwamy free-kick found him un­marked at the far post.

The experienced Suwamy and Sitiveni Cavuilagi, chosen ahead of regulars Malakai Tiwa and Narendra Rao, brought mobility to Ba’s midfield, although Rewa were superior in the physical battle.

Setareki Hughes and Taione Kerevanua toiled in midfield for Rewa, while former Suva striker Bruce Hughes looked uncomfort­able in a defensive role with Jale Dreloa and Peniame Drova.

Borisi denied Ba striker Kaliova Dau in the 41st minute with an impressive save from point blank range to keep the score 1-nil at half-time.

The second half started with Ba immediately on the front foot, but Cavuilagi and Waqanicakau failed to capitalise on two lapses of con­centration in the Rewa defence.

That was until Waqanicakau rose highest to brilliantly head in Ba’s second goal in the 61st minute from another pinpoint Suwamy free-kick to dash any hopes of a Rewa comeback.

Urged on by the home fans, Rewa improved after the second goal with replacement striker Anish Khem’s direct running causing problems for Ba.

But the Ba back three of Manasa Nawakula, Ilimotama Jese and Si­mione Nabenu stood firm to see out an important win.

Edited by Osea Bola

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