Ba Methodist High School, led by captain Selita Bainivalu, is set to face Nasikawa Vision College in the Weetbix Western Under 16 Raluve Championship at Prince Charles Park in Nadi this Saturday.
The Matavelo, Nailaga Village-based institution secured a 15-0 victory over Ra High School last weekend during the Ba/Tavua/Rakirak/Nadarivatu rugby zone final held at Garvey Park in Tavua.
Team coach Isoa Ranitu expressed that the girls have been diligently working to secure a spot in the nationals.
“Last year, the team lost to eventual winner Sigatoka Methodist College in the semi-final of the Western Championship, so we are aiming to step up our game this time,” Ranitu said. “We need to work on our weaknesses and get the basics right. Since it’s a knockout round, we must follow the game plan.”
The team relies on the experience of Selita Bainivalu (full-back), Elenoa Mole (first-five-eight), Bulou Raijieli (winger), and Louise Niubalavu (second-five-eight).
Bainivalu made a significant impact for Tiliva Bukuya in the Rooster Chicken Tikina Cup (Ba Rugby Women Championship) last season. She also won a gold medal in the Coke Games sub-junior high jump last year. She is the sister of Ba Rugby representative Ponipate Bainivalu, who played a crucial role in the Skipper Cup this season.
The Ba Methodist High School vs. Nasikawa Vision College match kicks off at 11 am.
Draws:
U16: Votualevu College vs. Lautoka Andhra Sangam College, Swami Vivekananda College vs. Jasper William High School, Sigatoka Methodist College vs. Ra High School, Ba Methodist High School vs. Nasikawa Vision College.
U18: Sigatoka Methodist College vs. AD Patel College, Natabua High vs. Votualevu College, Ratu Navula College vs. Jasper William High School, Cuvu College vs. Ratu Navula College.
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