A moment of madness from Jack’s Nadi No.8 Naulia Dawai, was one of the contributing factors to their 38-16 loss to FMF Suva in today’s Skipper Cup semifinal at Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park.

The veteran forward’s shoulder charge on the head of Suva lock Apolosi Tora in the 36th minute, got him the red card.

Tora was stretchered off the field of play as Suva took advantage of the situation.

Nadi took an early 6-0 lead from two penalty kicks from Navitalai Tuilawa before the defending champions came back with a try to prop Uraia Merikula, which was converted by Inia Tawalo who later followed it up with another penalty for a 10-6 lead.

Then strong running Suva centre Iosefo Namoce broke through three Nadi players to score a try close to the post with Tawalo adding the extras for a 17-6 lead at halftime.

Nadi came back with a try to captain, Jolame Luvevou, which was converted by Tuilawa to narrow the deficit to 17-13.

Their joy was short-lived when Mereikula scored his second try for Suva with Tawalo converting to extend Suva’s lead to 24-13.

Tuilawa, again was successful with his third penalty attempt as they trailed 24-16.

It was all Suva as they ran in tries to Tawalo and Koli Tamanitoakula.

The conversions from Tawalo and Samuela Kakaivalu went over for a 38-16 win.
 
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