Ba Methodist High School, led by captain Selita Bainivalu, is set to clash with Nasikawa Vision College in the Weetbix Western Under 16 Raluve Championship this Saturday at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.
The Matavelo, Nailaga Village-based team recently triumphed over Ra High School with a 15-0 victory during the Ba/Tavua/Rakiraki/Nadarivatu rugby zone final held at Garvey Park, Tavua, last Saturday.
Team coach Isoa Ranitu emphasized that the girls have been diligently working to secure a spot in the national competition. “Last year, we lost to the eventual winner, Sigatoka Methodist College, in the semi-final of the Western Championship. This time, we aim to enhance our performance,” Ranitu said. “We need to address our weaknesses and perfect the basics. Since it’s a knockout match, adhering to the game plan is crucial.”
The team will rely on the expertise of players like Selite Bainivalu (full-back), Elenoa Mole (first-five-eighth), Bulou Raijieli (winger), and Louise Niubalavu (second-five-eighth). Bainivalu was a key player for Tiliva Bukuya in the Rooster Chicken Tikina Cup (Ba Rugby Women Championship) last season and secured a gold medal in the sub-junior high jump at the Coke Games last year. She is also the sister of Ba Rugby rep Ponipate Bainivalu, who was instrumental in the Skipper Cup this season.
The Ba Methodist vs. Nasikawa Vision College match will kick off at 11 am.
Under 16 Draws:
– 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 Draws:
– 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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