Labasa FC have taken the lead in the Extra Premier League points table following a convincing 5–0 victory over Coastal Rental Cars Nadroga FC in Round Three last weekend at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Former Lautoka FC striker Aporosa Yada made an immediate impact on his debut, scoring a brace, while France Catarogo also netted twice. Nadroga’s misery was compounded by an own goal, completing the five-goal tally for the Babasiga Lions.
With a win and a draw, Labasa now sit on four points, level with Ba, Suva, Nasinu, Nadi and Lautoka, but their superior goal difference places them at the top of the table.
One of the feature matches of Round Three saw Tagimoucia Nadi FC hold Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC to a 1–1 draw at King Charles Park in Nadi. The Men-in-Black took the lead through a Praneel Naidu free kick, but Nadi import Jimson Abana struck in the dying minutes to salvage a point for the hosts. Ba currently sit second on the table, while Nadi occupy sixth place on goal difference.
At Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, Lautoka FC produced a major upset, defeating defending champions Stratum Rewa FC 3–2. Epeli Valevou opened the scoring in the third minute before Zibraaz Sahib equalised for Rewa before halftime. Lautoka regained control in the second half with Sailosi Naicegu restoring the lead before Shiva Pillay extended it further. Kavaia Rawaqa pulled one back for the Delta Tigers in injury time, but it was not enough to deny Lautoka the victory. Lautoka now sit fifth, while Rewa drop to seventh.
At HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, the capital side recorded a convincing 3–0 victory over Navua FC. Suva imports Siotama Kubu and Malakai Lavacake scored in the first half before Fazil Ali sealed the win with the third goal. Suva are currently third on the standings with four points.
Meanwhile at the Uprising Sports Ground, Nasinu FC defeated Tailevu Naitasiri FC 4–2 in an entertaining encounter. Meli Nacoke, Emmanuel Etim, Bruce Hughes and Nitin Chand scored for Nasinu, while Iosefo Verevou and Ratu Anare found the net for Tailevu Naitasiri.
Nasinu now sit in fourth place on the table, while Tailevu Naitasiri are in ninth position, and Nadroga remain at the bottom of the standings after three rounds of competition.
With several teams tied on points, the Extra Premier League table remains tightly contested as the season continues to gather momentum.