The inaugural Ba Tikina Championship, held last year, significantly contributed to the Ba Rugby team’s successful run to the quarter-finals of the Skipper Cup competition earlier this year. At the opening of the 2024 Ba Tikina Championships, which took place at Vinod Patel Park, Ba Rugby Union secretary Gabby Kautoga emphasized the importance of the Tikina Cup.
Kautoga noted the impressive turnout for the event, stating, “The Tikina Cup is very important to us.” He added that all teams had adequately prepared and that the competition’s quality has improved since last year. “This competition provides our players with valuable game time as we anticipate the Skipper Cup will likely commence early next year, allowing our boys to prepare effectively.”
He also mentioned that following the Tikina Cup, there would be the ‘Battle of the Bridge,’ serving as the final trials for all teams before the selection of the Ba team for the Skipper Cup competition. Kautoga highlighted that the championship serves as a bridge between club-level and Skipper Cup-level rugby.
The Tikina Championship runs for five weeks and extends beyond just rugby, fostering unity within the Tikina community.
In terms of results from the Ba Industries Cup, Savatu defeated Naloto 29-17, Veiyasana triumphed over Yakete 37-10, Nailaga edged past Bulu 10-8, and Qaloyalatina claimed victory against Magodro 23-18.