Rugby League Coaching Manuals

The Roosters came prepared and tackled tirelessly. They played for their chief Tui Sabeto Ratu Tevita Mateitoga, who was watching from the grandstand.

In the second half, the Roosters defence stood-out, driving back a Hot Bread Kitchen Nabua Broncos outfit that not only enjoyed more ball possession but had the favour of the Laucala breeze as well.

"I'm very happy and proud of the boys. They really played their hearts out," said Roosters coach Vela Tawake.

Led by strong runners like Eddie Tagicakibau, Aporosa Vosataki and Serelini Lulu, Broncos failed to build pressure and momentum to finish good attacking moves as a number of scoring opportunities were wasted in the second half.

Roosters struck first with a try to Setareki Qoro in the fourth minute. But when play resumed Broncos got a grip and answered with two tries to Michael Thomas and Rusiate Rabonu.

Broncos led 8-4 after nine minutes of play.

On the stroke of fulltime, Roger Qoro nailed a drop goal for Roosters.

Qoro also converted Takubu's winning try.

Coach Tawake was impressed with how the Roosters defended phase after phase of Broncos attacks.

"It was more about playing with heart," he said.

"We played Panthers on Wednesday and the players gave their best today (yesterday) despite some niggling injuries.

"My message to them was to control play. In the second half, we just ran hard at them in the middle, their players drifted inside and then we explored other avenues," Tawake said.

KBL Saru Dragons defeated defending champions Namatakula Saints 16-14 in the second semi-final to set up an all western grand final next week.

Islands Electric Lautoka Crushers qualified for the reserve grade final after beating Dragons 36-10.

In the U16 semis, Panthers thrashed Bulldogs 34-0. Dragons beat Crushers 20-12 in another semi-final that was played on Friday.