The inaugural Ba Tikina Championship, held last year, contributed significantly to the Ba Rugby team’s advancement to the quarter-finals of the Skipper Cup competition earlier this year. Ba Rugby Union secretary Gabby Kautoga expressed his thoughts during the opening of the 2024 Ba Tikina Championships at Vinod Patel Park.
Kautoga emphasized the importance of the Tikina Cup, noting the good turnout for the event. He remarked that all participating teams had prepared thoroughly, resulting in a higher level of competition compared to the previous year. He stated, “This competition provides our players with valuable game time as we anticipate the Skipper Cup commencing early next year, allowing our players to prepare adequately.”
Following the Tikina Cup, Kautoga mentioned that the “Battle of the Bridge” would serve as the final trials for all teams before the selection of the Ba team for the Skipper Cup. He highlighted that the championship effectively bridges the gap between club-level play and the Skipper Cup.
Kautoga added, “The competition lasts for five weeks and goes beyond just rugby; from the Vanua perspective, it is a competition that unites the entire Tikina.”
In the Ba Industries Cup, the results were as follows: Savatu defeated Naloto 29-17, Veiyasana triumphed over Yakete 37-10, Nailaga edged past Bulu with a score of 10-8, and Qaloyalatina won against Magodro with a score of 23-18.