Fiji’s defending National League champions Ba kicked off its 2009 campaign on a high note thumping Tavua on Saturday while Labasa, Lautoka and Navua also enjoyed wins in their first round matches.
Continuing their form from the Champions Versus Champions, Ba overpowered their neighbours 4-0 at Govind Park. The hosts scored two goals in the first thirty minutes of the match through Shameel Rao and Rinal Prasad to lead 2-0 at the break.
Ba Policeman Ronald Lawrence increased Ba’s lead to 3-0 midway in the second spell and hardworking Rao got his double and Ba’s fourth to seal the victory.
Newly signed Petero Dauniseka and Brothers Osea Vakatalesau and Peni Finau featured strongly in the match.
Navua also enjoyed a comfortable win beating Nadroga 5-1. Striker Pranil Chand opened the scoring in the early stages of the match but John Rounds equalised for the Coral Coast Boys to take the teams to 1-1 at halftime.
Navua put up a better show in the second spell and scored four excellent goals through Simione Maikali, Seveci Rokotakala, Pita Bolaitoga and Fiji defender Rajneel Chand.
In the other first round matches, Rewa drew 1-1 with Nadi, Lautoka beat Suva 2-1 and Labasa beat Nasinu 2-1.
Story and photo courtesy www.fijilive.com