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 this year. Gabby Kautoga, the secretary of Ba Rugby Union, spoke at the beginning of the first round of the 2024 Ba Tikina Championships, which took place at Vinod Patel Park.
Kautoga emphasized the importance of the Tikina Cup, noting a strong turnout for the event. He acknowledged that all teams had prepared thoroughly and that the competition level had improved compared to last year.
“This competition is valuable for our players as it provides them with much-needed game time in preparation for the Skipper Cup, which is likely to begin early next year,” Kautoga stated. He also mentioned that following the Tikina Cup, there will be a ‘Battle of the Bridge’, serving as the final trials for the selection of the Ba team for the Skipper Cup competition.
He highlighted the championship’s role in connecting club-level players to the Skipper Cup level, explaining that the competition lasts for five weeks and transcends mere rugby. From a community perspective, it has been instrumental in uniting the entire Tikina.
In the Ba Industries Cup, the results were as follows: Savatu defeated Naloto 29-17, Veiyasana won against Yakete 37-10, Nailaga triumphed over Bulu with a score of 10-8, and Qaloyalatina beat Magodro 23-18.