An electric atmosphere filled Narauyaba Ground in Rakiraki as approximately 12,000 spectators gathered to witness Nadroga successfully claim the Inkk Farebrother Sullivan Trophy with a hard-fought 28-20 victory over Ra.
Nadroga got off to a strong start, scoring the opening try in the third minute through their blindside flanker to take an early 5-0 lead.
However, Nadroga were shown a yellow card in the 10th minute after deliberately knocking the ball out of the hands of Ra scrum-half Peni Matawalu.
Ra dominated possession during the first 30 minutes and turned that pressure into points in the 17th minute when their outside centre crossed the try line to level the scores at 5-5.
Nadroga continued to surrender possession through ill-discipline and were shown a second yellow card, this time to their prop.
Despite the setbacks, Nadroga regained the lead with three minutes remaining in the first half, scoring their second try through a powerful driving maul from a lineout to extend their advantage to 10-5.
Nadroga started the second half strongly, scoring their third try in the 44th minute through their blindside winger.
Ra were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute, which their fullback successfully converted to reduce the deficit to 15-8.
Nadroga responded with another try in the 55th minute through their loose forward, extending their lead to 20-8.
They continued to dominate the scoreboard, scoring their fourth try in the 68th minute to stretch their advantage to 25-8.
Ra refused to give up, responding with a try through their winger before their prop crossed the try line for another, narrowing the deficit to 20-25 and putting pressure on the defending champions.
However, a late penalty awarded to Nadroga gave them the opportunity to seal the victory.
They opted to kick for goal, successfully extending their lead to secure a 28-20 win.
