The Kaliova Bulai-led Ba Methodist High School Under-19 team is determined to leave no stone unturned in the Western Secondary Schools Rugby Deans Championship quarterfinal at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, tomorrow.
They will face Sigatoka Valley Secondary School in what promises to be a thrilling match.
Coached by Paula Tuiloma, the team recently dominated Nasau Secondary School with a 31-3 victory in the Ba/Tavua/Ra Zone final at Garvey Park, Tavua, last Saturday.
Several players from the Under-19 team were also part of the school’s Under-18 sevens rugby team that narrowly lost 15-10 to eventual champions Ratu Navula College at the HFC Bank Stadium during the Term One holidays.
“This is the first time we are fielding three teams, and I hope the Under-19 side makes an impact,” said PEMAC head of department, David King Wise. “The team looks in top form, with the boys’ morale being boosted to the fullest,” he added.
Key players for the Under-19 team include captain Bulai who plays prop, full-back Pio Bosco Tikoisuva (Jnr), and winger Petero Dauniseka.
Under-16 Grade
The Under-16 side, captained by Josateki Naliva, will face Sigatoka Methodist College in their quarterfinal match.
“This team is made up of only 16 boys who were left out from the other teams, and they have done wonders. They were undefeated in the zone and hope to go beyond the quarters,” Wise said.
The Thomas Vuto-coached Under-16 team will rely on the dynamic flankers Rupeni Nailatikau and Asivorosi Nahiga to dominate the breakdowns.
Under-15 Grade
The Under-15 team, led by Osea Naura, will compete against Cuvu College.
“This is the same group of boys that made history earlier this year by winning the National Secondary Schools Rugby League Under-15 grade final,” Wise noted.
Key players for the Under-15 team include Seruvi Vakalolo, Semi Sasai, and Eneri Saunivalu.
Tomorrow’s Draws:
Under-15: Natabua High School vs. Swami Vivekananda College, Sigatoka Methodist College vs. AD Patel, Ba Methodist vs. Cuvu College, Ratu Navula College vs. Ba Provincial Freebird.
Under-16: Ba Provincial Freebird vs. Swami Vivekananda College, Cuvu College vs. Ra High School, Ba Methodist High vs. Sigatoka Methodist College.
Under-17: Xavier College vs. Korovuto College, Sigatoka Valley Secondary School vs. AD Patel, Natabua High vs. Nadi Muslim College, Ratu Navula College vs. St Thomas High School.
Under-19: Ba Methodist vs. Sigatoka Valley Secondary School, Nasikawa Vision College vs. Nasau Secondary School, Ratu Navula College vs. Drasa Secondary School, Ba Provincial Freebird Institute vs. Sigatoka Andra Sangam College.
Under-14: Ratu Navula College vs. Ra High School.
Under-18 Pool Plays: Cuvu College vs. Ratu Navula College.