Ba Methodist High School, led by captain Selita Bainivalu, is set to compete against Nasikawa Vision College in the Weetbix Western Under-16 Raluve Championship at Prince Charles Park in Nadi this Saturday.
The team from Matavelo, Nailaga Village, recently triumphed over Ra High School with a 15-0 win during the Ba/Tavua/Rakiraki/Nadarivatu rugby zone final held at Garvey Park in Tavua last Saturday.
Team coach Isoa Ranitu emphasized that the girls have been diligently preparing for a spot in the national competition. “Last year, the team lost to eventual winner Sigatoka Methodist College in the semi-final of the Western Championship, so we intend to elevate our game this time around,” Ranitu stated. “We need to work on our weaknesses and get the basics right. Since it’s a knockout match, adhering to the game plan is crucial.”
The team is relying on the experience of key players such as Selita Bainivalu (full-back), Elenoa Mole (first-five-eight), Bulou Raijieli (winger), and Louise Niubalavu (second-five-eight). Bainivalu was a prominent player for Tiliva Bukuya in the Rooster Chicken Tikina Cup (Ba Rugby Women Championship) last season and also clinched a gold medal in the Coke Games sub-junior high jump last year. She is the sister of Ponipate Bainivalu, a Ba Rugby representative who played a pivotal role in the Skipper Cup this season.
The match between Ba Methodist High School and Nasikawa Vision College is scheduled to kick off at 11 am.
Draws:
– Under-16:
– Votualevu College vs. Lautoka Andhra Sangam College
– Swami Vivekananda College vs. Jasper William 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 School vs. Votualevu College
– Ratu Navula College vs. Jasper William High School
– Cuvu College vs. Ratu Navula College