TEN men Rewa held defending champions Ba to a scoreless draw in the Fiji Sun/Skipper Tuna National Football League at Govind Park on Saturday.
The Delta Tigers played the last 25 minutes without Luke Lomasalato who was sent off by referee Rakesh Chandra for a second bookable offence.
Both teams failed to capitalise on the opportunities created in the slippery conditions. Rewa’s Apisai Smith had the best chance in the first half but his header hit the post.
Avinesh Waran Suwamy had a day off with his lethal right boot with his drives going astray.
Rewa coach Marika Rodu brought on young Iosefo Verevou to sharpen the attack in the second spell. The Fiji under-20 rep made a few good long-range runs but lacked support at crucial times.
Rodu said to go away with a point from Govind Park with ten players was a bonus.
The former national rep said things would have been different if they had the full set.
“Definitely happy with the result,” he said.
“We could have done better had we not got that red card. But hats off to the boys for staying focussed.
“We had more opportunities in attack. It is always good to go back with a point from Govind Park. We started with a defensive formation and Iosefo was effective in attack when he came on.”
Ba coach Yogendra Dutt said they had to work on their finishing.
Dutt said the draw should not affect their title defence with many matches remaining.
“We just have to go back, work on our mistakes and hopefully improve in the next game,” he said.
Rewa: Akuila Mateisuva, Poasa Bainivalu, Lorima Dau, Ratu Semi Dileqa, Josateki Tamadu, Setareki Hughes, Luke Lomasalato, Tevita Waranaivalu, Gerish Prasad, Savenaca Nakalevu, Apisai Smith.
Ba: Epeli Codro, Avinesh Waran Suwamy, Marika Madigi, Ronil Kumar, Jone Vesikula, Laisenia Raura, Remueru Takiate, Jone Vesikula, Abbu Zahid Shaheed, Josefata Neibuli, Osea Vakatalesau.
Suva (Fiji Times)
