The inaugural Ba Tikina Championship last year significantly contributed to the Ba Rugby team’s advancement to the quarter-finals of the Skipper Cup earlier this year. Ba Rugby Union secretary Gabby Kautoga emphasized the importance of the Tikina Cup during the opening round of the 2024 Ba Tikina Championships at Vinod Patel Park.
“The Tikina Cup is crucial for us, and we are pleased with the turnout today,” Kautoga stated. He noted that all teams have prepared thoroughly and the level of competition has improved compared to last year.
“This competition provides our players with essential game time, especially as the Skipper Cup is expected to start early next year, allowing our athletes to better prepare themselves,” he added. Following the Tikina Cup, the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ will serve as the final trials for all teams before the Ba team is selected for the Skipper Cup.
Kautoga mentioned that the championship serves as a bridge between club-level play and the Skipper Cup, running for five weeks and fostering a sense of unity within the Tikina community.
In the Ba Industries Cup results, Savatu defeated Naloto 29-17, Veiyasana won against Yakete 37-10, Nailaga narrowly beat Bulu 10-8, and Magodro lost to Qaloyalatina 18-23.