Nova keep finals hope alive

 NOVA are in striking distance of a finals place following their huge 43-7 win over Juggernauts in Capital Rugby Union (CRU) at Monier Rugby Park last Saturday.

While Nova are in fourth spot, they are being pushed by fifth-placed University Piggies with only two games remaining. 

If both teams win their matches this weekend, then the following weekend’s washed-out match takes on a bigger significance. 

With the return of the full compliment of their Pukpuks in Mick Rau, Billy Torea and Josh Vakona, Nova not only blitzed Kevin Rooney’s men but put paid to their finals hopes. 

Juggernauts minus playmaker Wesley Rooney were easy prey  for Nova conceding tries to Rau (2), Manu Guise (2), Titi Gigimat and Ambos Gena.

The rousing form of Guise in the backs and centre-cum loose forward Elipema Kini continues to be a feature of their games.

In the other matches, the Piggies kept their finals hopes alive with a 61-0 caning of the lowly Spartans and competition leaders Harlequins opened the floodgates with a near full-strength outfit thrashing LaSallians 84-7.

Harlequins have wrapped up the minor premiership flag and are  favourites to add another title to their already stacked cabinet.