Ba will host the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League finals for the first time today, with three age-group grand finals scheduled at 4R Stadium, Govind Park. Supporters and teams from across the country converged on the western town from Thursday as organizers prepare for a full day of schoolboy rugby league action.
The finals begin with the under-15 decider at 9:30am when Gospel High School meet Nasinu Secondary School. The under-17 final follows at 10:50am, pitting home side Ba Methodist High School against Sigatoka Methodist College. The marquee under-19 clash is set for 1:00pm, featuring Queen Victoria School’s Knights against Ratu Kadavulevu School’s Eels.
The U19 match carries extra intrigue. QVS arrive having claimed the boys division title at last week’s Coca-Cola Games and are chasing another major school title. Their opponents, RKS, booked their spot after a semi-final victory over defending league champions Ra High, a result organisers and pundits say has given the Delainakaikai-based side strong momentum heading into the final.
Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League media coordinator Lai Corerega said organisers were pleased to bring the finals to Ba and expected a strong turnout. “We are very fortunate to be playing at 4R Stadium because the platform where players compete is very important,” Corerega said, adding that the Ba Town Council had been instrumental in making the venue available. He also highlighted the sport’s north-south growth: “The growth of rugby league in all zones was another positive sign for the competition.”
Local expectations are high for the home under-17 side. Ba Methodist High School coach David Wise said playing in Ba was a boost for his players and thanked supporters who have travelled to back the team. “We are glad that the final is here in Ba and we respect Sigatoka Methodist. We thank all our fans and supporters who have been coming and supporting us,” Wise said.
For Gospel High School, the U15 final represents a landmark for the program. Team manager Agnes Wye called it a milestone achievement and warned that excitement must be balanced with focus. “This is a milestone achievement for us. There is a lot of excitement, but we know this will be a tough match,” she said.
Organisers have set a flat entry fee of $15 for grandstand and ground access; children under six will be admitted free. With a full slate of fixtures and at least one final featuring recent national-school champions, today’s matches will be watched closely as an indicator of the depth and competitiveness of Fiji’s rising school-level rugby league.