Vinod Patel Ba’s men’s rugby team achieved a landmark victory against Nadi in the fifth round of the Skipper Cup competition at Prince Charles Park, triumphing 31-24. This win marked the first time Ba has defeated Nadi on their home ground, making the result even more momentous.
The match was filled with intensity and lived up to expectations. Nadi initially dominated in possession and territory, leading 17-14 by halftime, buoyed by their vocal supporters. However, Ba emerged from the break with renewed vigor, employing a strategic shift that emphasized strong ball handling and structured plays. Their forwards excelled at the breakdown, while the backs expertly exploited gaps in Nadi’s defense, allowing Ba to gain the upper hand.
Driven by their determination and cohesive team play, Ba maintained their lead into the dying moments of the match, eventually securing the historic win. Saimone Tagitagivalu, captain of the Ba team, highlighted the importance of this victory for their campaign, noting the need to break away from the mindset of smaller club games to compete with major teams like Nadi and Nadroga.
Meanwhile, the Ba U20 team continued its impressive form, securing a 31-19 win over Nadi. Additionally, in other Western Zone encounters, Malolo achieved an upset by narrowly beating Nadroga 26-24 at Lawaqa Park.
This historic victory for Ba signifies not just a significant milestone in their rugby history but also underscores the competitive spirit and determination the team embodies. With their eyes set on remaining within the top eight, Ba’s recent performance has undoubtedly boosted their morale and filled both players and fans with optimism for the remainder of the Skipper Cup competition. The enthusiasm and support from the community stand testament to the commitment and upward trajectory of rugby in Ba, promising exciting times ahead for both supporters and participants in Fijian rugby.
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