Unity and teamwork were the motivating factors for the Asiveli Rokoua captained- Naitasiri side as beat Fiji Pine Lautoka 27-21 to claim the INKK Farebrother-Sullivan Challenge Trophy.

Last Saturday’s win at Churchill Park, Lautoka, ended the hosts plan to keep the country’s prestigious rugby title for Christmas.

The challenge match was played in front of about 6000 spectators. It was after 21 years for the Farebrother match to be staged in Lautoka.

Rokoua who plays at prop marshaled his tight five well throughout the match.

“Lautoka team is a champion side and they managed to defend it against Suva,” he told SUNsports after the match.

“What brought us down here and to make it happen was unity and teamwork. It is true we had two yellow cards, but it did not affect our boys.

“The words from the dressing room kept ringing in our ears. That is to go and conqueror with unity and team work.

“That has to be the first and secondly the result will take of itself.

“We will take this (Farebrother Trophy) home and celebrate.”

Naitasiri head coach Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr said it was another typical Farebrother affair.

“It was tough and Lautoka is a champion side. I thank the Lord for the victory. He has been our source of inspiration and strength. I’m proud of the boys for how they did it. They stuck it out there, with two yellow cards. We will celebrate the win first.”

Tuisese said they would focus on Nadroga from today.

What happened: 

In the 13th minute, Naitasiri took a 3-0 lead with a penalty from full-back Etonia Rokotuisawa.

Two minutes later Lautoka full-back Isikeli Rabitu landed his first penalty to level the scores 3-3.

In the 22nd minute Rokotuisawa dashed over to score the first try with the conversion going wide for an 8-3 lead. In the 24th minute Rabitu kicked over his second penalty to narrow the margin 8-6.

In the 27th minute Naitasiri lock Atonio Sova scored a try and was converted by Rokotuisawa to extend their lead to 15-6.

With five minutes left from the break, Rabitu added another three-pointer from a penalty to make it 15-9. Two minutes later winger Naitasiri winger Vatiliai Vosawale was sin binned for a high tackle on Rabitu.

With a minute left on the clock elusive Maroons winger Vulo Turaga ran untouched to score a try in the corner.

The conversion missed as they trailed 15-14 at halftime.

Halftime: Lautoka 14-15 Naitasiri.

It was do-or-die in the second spell.

In the 42nd minute Lautoka lock Agavito Sauvakarua scored a try near the post and was converted by Rabitu as the Maroons took the lead for the first time 21-15.

In the 52nd minute, Lautoka flanker Gabriel Ratu was yellow carded for unprofessional play.

In the 57th minute Rokotuisawa scored his second try. Referee Tevita Rokovereni had to consult his match officials as it seemed that Rokotuisawa had knocked the ball on before grounding it. Referee Rokovereni then awarded the try with the conversion going over as Naitasiri regained the lead 22-21.

With seven minutes left, Naitasiri number eight, Marika Vakacabeqoli sealed Lautoka’s fate with a try, which was not converted for a 27-21 win.

Comment: Lautoka captain Jona Sawailau was gracious in defeat. He said it was a disappointing end to their Farebrother-Sullivan challenge run after 21 years.

“Really it is disheartening but it is part of rugby. You win and lose some,” Sawailau said.

“I thank Naitasiri for giving us a good run. We have come a long way from Vanua (Championship) and ended up in the top five. All thanks to God for bringing us this far and all the best for Naitasiri in their next match.”

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