Ba Methodist High School, led by captain Selita Bainivalu, is set to face Nasikawa Vision College in the Weetbix Western Under 16 Raluve Championship at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday.
The team from Matavelo, Nailaga Village, overcame Ra High School with a 15-0 victory last Saturday during the Ba/Tavua/Rakirak/Nadarivatu rugby zone final held at Garvey Park in Tavua.
Coach Isoa Ranitu stated that the girls have put in significant effort to secure a place in the nationals. “Last year, the team lost to eventual winners Sigatoka Methodist College in the semi-final of the Western Championship, so we will elevate our game this time,” Ranitu said. “We need to address our weaknesses and get the basics right. Since it’s a knockout match, we must adhere to the game plan.”
The team is relying on the experience of key players Selite Bainivalu (full-back), Elenoa Mole (first-five-eight), Bulou Raijieli (winger), and Louise Niubalavu (second-five-eight).
Bainivalu notably competed for Tiliva Bukuya in the Rooster Chicken Tikina Cup (Ba Rugby Women Championship) last season. Additionally, she won a gold medal in the sub-junior high jump at the Coke Games last year. She is the sister of Ba Rugby representative Ponipate Bainivalu, who played a pivotal role in the Skipper Cup this season.
The Ba Methodist vs. Nasikawa Vision College match is scheduled for 11 am.
Draws:
– U16: 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.
– U18: Sigatoka Methodist College vs. AD Patel College, Natabua High vs. Votualevu College, Ratu Navula College vs. Jasper William High School, Cuvu College vs. Ratu Navula College.
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