Meli Laddpeter 
[Pic:Nadroga Rugby/Facebook]
Nadroga staged a late comeback to defeat Tailevu 37-32 and secure their place in the Skipper Cup final against Nadi next Saturday.
The Stallions came out firing, scoring twice to take an early 12-0 lead.
Tailevu responded through their inside centre, who powered over for a try to close the gap.
However, Nadroga hit back almost immediately, with prop Timoci Sauvoli pushing through the defence to extend their lead to 17-7.
A penalty from Tailevu fly-half Kini Douglas reduced the deficit before Nadroga added three points of their own.
Douglas then scored from a maul inside Nadroga’s 22-metre area to bring the score to 20-15 at half-time.
Nadroga struck straight after the break when halfback Aminiasi Natoga sliced through the defence for a 30-metre run, extending their lead to 27-15.
Tailevu fought back through hooker Manueli Maisamoa, who scored after a series of pick-and-drives to make it 27-22.
The momentum shifted as Tailevu continued to dominate the middle of the field, with prop Osea Rabitu powering over to give his side a 29-27 lead.
They extended their advantage to 32-27 with a penalty.
But Nadroga refused to back down, scoring two more unconverted tries to Waqa Nalaga in the last five minutes for the win.
It will be a Nadroga and Nadi in the final next weekend in the Skipper Cup and Under 20 final.
Namosi and Nasinu will clash in the Subrails Marama final.
