Meli Laddpeter 
The top-of-the-table Skipper Cup clash between Nadi and Naitasiri lived up to expectations, but it was the jetsetters who came out on top with a 27-23 victory at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
The two sides were evenly matched, but Nadi held its composure when it mattered most to secure a crucial victory.
Nadi took a 10-5 lead into halftime after scoring a try and adding a penalty.
The visitors came out strongly in the second half, scoring shortly after the restart. Naitasiri quickly responded with a hard-fought try to close the gap to 15-10.
Nadi hit back just minutes later with another try before converting a penalty to extend its lead to 20-10.
The Jacks-sponsored Nadi outfit continued to defend strongly and added two further penalties to move 27-23 ahead.
Naitasiri pushed hard in the closing stages, searching for a way through Nadi’s defence, but the visitors held firm.
With time running out, Naitasiri was unable to find the breakthrough as Nadi secured a memorable victory over the competition leaders.
In other results, Taveuni beat Suva 32-31, Nadroga defeated Rewa 27-13, Lautoka edged Navosa 20-13, Kadavu overpowered Ba 21-18 and Tailevu drew 18-all with Malolo.
