Ba keen on semis clash
Members of the Ba rugby team are keen to show their best against Macuata in the Vodafone Vanua Championship semifinal clash at Labasa’s Subrail Park on Saturday.
The team, also known as the ‘Locomotives’, have made it to the semifinal stage following its 14-13 victory over Lautoka at Churchill Park in Lautoka, last Saturday.
Nailaga native and first five-eight Tevita Nadumu came off the bench to kick three successful penalties, sending them to another semifinal appearance.
The side has the inclusion of robust utility Vonivate Bacaivalu, and former Naitasiri/Lautoka lock Saimone Tagitagivalu, who was part of the Lelean Memorial School Deans trophy winning team.
Not forgetting prop Waisea Navakabau, and rising star from Ba Methodist High School, Gabriel Naliva, 17, who hails from the legendary boxing family of Sorokoba.
Ba Rugby team manager Sanaila Silinamuana said: “Preparation have been good so far, and we are ready for the match in Labasa.”
The Locomotives aim to feature in the next Skipper Cup season.
The Ba rugby side was denied a promotion last season after losing to Northland in the semifinal stage.
Also on Saturday at Subrail Park, Bua will host Yasawa. The two winners will qualify for the 2023 Skipper Cup championship season.
The winner of the 2022 Vodafone Vanua Championship will be awarded $10,000. Runners-up get $5000.
The other quarterfinal results: Bua 12-10 Serua; Macuata 17-16 Ovalau; and Yasawa Marlins 24-17 Vatukoula Goldminers.
Furthermore, just like the men’s, the 2022 Royal Tea Ranadi women’s finalists will be promoted to the 2023 ANZ Marama Championship.
In this week’s semifinals, Rewa face Vatukoula, while Navosa will host Nasinu at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, tomorrow.
In this weekend’s Skipper Cup Premiership matches, Nadi host Namosi at Prince Charles Park, Northland host Suva at Gatward Park in Korovou, Nadroga take on Rewa while Naitasiri will face Tailevu at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.