The Ba Methodist High School team, led by captain Selita Bainivalu, is set to compete against Nasikawa Vision College in the Weet-Bix Western Under 16 Raluve Championship this Saturday at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Last Saturday, the Matavelo-based team from Nailaga Village triumphed over Ra High School with a score of 15-0 in the Ba/Tavua/Rakiraki/Nadarivatu rugby zone final held at Garvey Park in Tavua.
Coach Isoa Ranitu revealed that the girls have been diligently working to secure a spot in the nationals.
“Last year, we lost to the eventual winners, Sigatoka Methodist College, in the semi-final of the Western Championship,” Ranitu said. “This time, we aim to up our game. We need to improve on our weaknesses and get the basics right. Since it’s a knockout, we have to follow the game plan.”
The team will rely on the experience of key players such as full-back Selita Bainivalu, first-five-eighth Elenoa Mole, winger Bulou Raijieli, and second-five-eighth Louise Niubalavu.
Bainivalu had a significant impact last season, prominently playing for Tiliva Bukuya in the Rooster Chicken Tikina Cup (Ba Rugby Women’s Championship). She also clinched a gold medal in the Coke Games sub-junior high jump last year. Additionally, she is the sister of Ba Rugby representative Ponipate Bainivalu, who played a key role in the recent Skipper Cup season.
The match between Ba Methodist High School and Nasikawa Vision College will start at 11 am.
Draws:
Under 16: Votualevu College vs. Lautoka Andhra Sangam College, Swami Vivekananda College vs. Jasper Williams High School, Sigatoka Methodist College vs. Ra High School, Ba Methodist High School vs. Nasikawa Vision College.
Under 18: Sigatoka Methodist College vs. AD Patel College, Natabua High vs. Votualevu College, Ratu Navula College vs. Jasper Williams High School, Cuvu College vs. Ratu Navula College.