The Fijian Drua have continued their hot streak in Lautoka, taking down ladder-leaders Chiefs 25-17 at Churchill Park.
The Drua braved the wet conditions and a strong Chiefs first half to take their maiden win over the Hamilton-based team.
Winger Ponepati Loganimasi was the difference maker for the Drua, scoring and setting up a second half for their first win of the season.
All Black Samisoni Taukei’aho was strong in his return to the starting side, scoring the opener in the first three minutes.
The wet conditions dictated the flow of the game early as both sides dropped the ball early.
The Drua settled the game with a penalty from Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula before Jimmy Tupou charged over from close.
Armstrong-Ravula’s second penalty of the afternoon reduced the margin to six before the clearer conditions allowed the Drua to work their way into the game after the break.
Number eight Meli Derenalagi gave the hosts the perfect start after diving over from close range for the 13-12 lead.
The lead didn’t last long after centre Anton Lienert-Brown continued his strong season with his third try of the year.
Lienert-Brown won the race to the loose ball after Leroy Carter’s kick ahead allowed the centre to skid onto the ball and score.
Unfazed, the Drua mounted a charge close to the hour mark that decided the game through explosive winger Loganimasi.
The former Sevens star threw a lovely basketball-style pass inside to fullback Vuate Karawalevu, diving over to put them back in front.
Loganimasi then produced some magic after collecting a chip kick from halfway, chipping and chasing before soccering ahead for himself to extend the margin.
They held onto their lead until the end when Armstrong-Ravula kicked another penalty to put the result out of doubt.
Tupou Vaa’i ensured the Chiefs wouldn’t leave empty-handed, charging over well after the full-time siren for a losing bonus point.
It ensures the Chiefs remain on top, barring a Reds bonus point win, having played one more game than their Queensland counterparts.
Meanwhile, the win vaults the Drua into seventh for the time being, now set to head to Canberra to face the Brumbies.
Drua 28 (Tries: Loganimasi, Karawalevu, Derenalagi; Cons: Armstrong-Ravula 2; Pens: Armstrong-Ravula 3) def Chiefs 24 (Tries: Taukei’aho, Tupou, Va'ai, Lienert-Brown; Cons: Jacomb 2)
Fijian Drua: 15 Vuate Karawalevu, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Meli Derenlagi, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama,, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Elia Canakaivata, 20 Motikiai Murray, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Isikeli Rabitu, 23 Taniela Rakuro
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14. Daniel Rona 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Jimmy Tupou, 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (captain), 4 Manaaki Selby Rickit, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Malachi Wrampling, 22 Xavier Roe, 23 Shaun Stevenson
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: George Myers, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
