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 TEIVOVO.COM – SULLIVAN FAREBROTHER TROPHY
Saturday, 7 September, 2006
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Still ours... Naitasiri with the trophy after downing Navosa
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Naitasiri edge Navosa to keep coveted trophy
By William Tabuya
Peni Naulivou became the toast of the Naitasiri team when he intercepted a pass during injury time and dashed down the line for the winning try of the Sullivan-Farebrother challenge against Navosa at a muddy Ratu Cakobau Park.
Naitasiri capitalised on a breakdown in communications in the Navosa backline as Naulivou read the play well, scooped up the ball and sprinted for the corner to give Naitasiri the game 18-13.
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Seruvakula dances with the Sullivan-Farebrother trophy
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It came as a cruel blow for visitors Navosa, even though the 13-13 scoreline at the time would have been enough for Naitasiri to hang onto the 65-year-old trophy.
Three years ago on this ground, Julian Vulakoro's penalty goal attempt in injury-time against Naitasiri was adjusted to have passed over the right-hand post as opposed to through them, denying Navosa victory in their first-ever shot at the crown.
So Naulivou's last-ditch try came as another painful blow, and brought to an end Navosa's season – their one consulation being that their Under 21s finished runners-up in the Sanyo Cup, so hopes are high for 2007.
An early penalty put the visitors in front 3-0, and it seemed that Naitasiri had dropped their guard.
Good continuity from the Navosa forwards rattled the Naitasiri defence at times, then midway through the first spell former Test rep and captain Aisea Tuilevu set up the first try for Navosa to send their supporters into a frenzy.
Tuilevu showed he still had some pace to burn when he tore through the middle and offloaded to Jone Macilai, who bounced off a defender before diving over for the try. Paula Karatu added the conversion as Navosa led 10-0 after 21 minutes.
Naitasiri dominated the remainder of the half with the forwards finding holes in the Navosa defence. Former Suva looseman Jokini Sivo blended well with his new team and formed a formidable force with Senirusi Seruvakula. Just before the break, Naitasiri captain Seruvakula led by example to marshal his men for the try that got the home team back into the game.
Kadavu lad Josevata Bola added the conversion to level the scores 10-10 at the break.
The second half saw Naitasiri turn the tables. Nippy fly-half Saula Rabaka put some thrust back into the Naitasiri side with a dropped goal just two minutes into the second half to give his side a 13-10 lead.
Navosa fly-half Paula Karatu converted a penalty goal on the hour to bring the scores level at 13-13 in a rugged second half, but it was Naitasiri who decided that the Sullivan-Farebrother Trophy was staying put when Naulivou intercepted Aisea Tuilevu's pass for the winning try.
Lautoka are next up at Ratu Cakobau Park to challenge for the Farebrother on 14 October with the B Division Final being the curtain-raiser.
Saturday 7 October 2006
Naitasiri 18 Navosa 13
Sullivan Farebrother Trophy
Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori
Half-time: 10-10
Referee: Uraia Toribau
Crowd: 7,500
NAITASIRI: 15 Josevata Bola, 14 Ben Kakaivalu (Paula Tiko 52), 13 Joseva Satini, 12 Pio Raitoni (Saula Rabaka 24), 11 Nemani Vecanayawa, 10 Peni Naulivou, 9 Valerio Racika (Asaeli Naiteqe 52), 8 Senirusi Seruvakula (capt), 7 Jokini Sivo, 6 Seivitiki Cakau (Sairusi Rokosalu 60), 5 Senivalati Vunibola, 4 Wavisalome Vanakena (Serevi Kubu 57), 3 Maseikula Gaunavou (Isei Colati 60), 2 Vereniki Sauturaga, 1 Sunia Radevu (Amani Takayawa 52)
Tries: Seruvakula, Naulivou; Conversion: Bola; Penalty goal: Bola; Dropped goal: Rabaka
NAVOSA: 15 Sireli Vulaono (Kavekini Naeva 80), 14 Jone Macilai, 13 Semi Kunatani, 12 Aisea Tuilevu (capt), 11 Kini Tuilevu (Kolaia Ivi 80), 10 Paula Karatu, 9 Luke Navuwai, 8 Sunia Nadruku, 7 Tevita Tuilalawa, 6 Jovilisi Natoya (Laisenia Vaude 55), 5 Nasoni Tonuve, 4 Jonetani Tokula (Kameli Waqa 60), 3 Ben Ranitu, 2 Niko Kororua, 1 Necani Baivatu
Try: Macilai; Conversion: Karatu; Penalty goals: Karatu (2)
Remaining challenges for 2006
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