SUVA – Navua created the shock of the round in the New World National League Super Six playoff series when it beat Vodafone Ba 2-1 at Thompson Park yesterday.
The hosts couldn’t hide their delight after the win and president Anil Sharma said his young side would be a team to watch out for at the upcoming Inter District Championships (IDC).
“We are just so happy and I am very proud,” Sharma said.
“My players have shown they are as good as any other team.”
Ba president Rishi Kumar said his players were too fatigued after having played three games within a span of five days.
“My players couldn’t take it anymore but we don’t have any excuse,”
Kumar said.
“The better team on the day won the match. We still have four games to go and will be back to gun for the league title.”
Navua managed to get its goals from Valerio Nawatu and Pranil Chand while comeback kid Manoa Masi scored for Ba.
Meanwhile, Labasa maintains its lead on the points table despite a 2-1 loss to Lautoka at Churchill Park yesterday.
Sailesh Sami Bula and Muele Vuti scored for Lautoka while Roy Krishna netted his third goal in as many days but it wasn’t enough.
Lautoka president Shalendra Prasad was a satisfied man but admitted there was still a lot of work to be done.
“We will have to put in more effort before the IDC but we are still in contention for the league,” Prasad said.
Ba had earlier beaten Labasa 4-2 on Friday night while Nadi beat Lautoka 2-0 on Wednesday night.
On Saturday Suva’s slump continued with a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Nadi.
Labasa goalkeeper Vereti Dixon (yellow shirt) wins the ball from Fiji international and Lautoka defender Taniela Waqa (far left) – Lautoka and Labasa lead the chase in Fiji’s
New World National League
Fiji FA New World National League Super Six Playoffs
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|
PL. | W | D | L | GF | GA | PTS | GD |
| Labasa | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 7 |
15 | +10 |
| Lautoka | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 13 | -1 |
| Ba | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 8 | 12 | +3 |
| Nadi | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
8 | 8 | 12 | 0 |
| Navua | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 11 | +1 |
| Suva | 8 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 18 | 1 | -14 |
Results:
Friday 2nd November
Ba 4 (Josaia Bukalidi 2, Joeli Ranitu, Tuimasi Manua) Labasa 2 (Roy Krishand 2)
Nadi 2 (Marika Madigi 2) Lautoka 0
Saturday 3rd November
< font size="2">Nadi 4 (Peniasi Vakasaukuru 2, Netani Momaivalu, Ravikesh Narayan) Suva 0
Sunday 4th November
Lautoka 2 (Sailesh Sami, Muele Vuti) Labasa 1 (Roy Krishna)
Navua 2 (Valerioa Nawatau, Pranil Chand) Ba 1 (Manoa Masi)