Vinod Patel Park came alive last weekend as it hosted an exhilarating Grand Finals Day for the BRU club rugby, marking a significant highlight in Ba’s sports calendar. The atmosphere was charged with energy as thousands gathered to witness the finals, making this spirited gathering one of the most attended events at the park, which is notably without any formal facilities.
One standout moment was the Vinod Patel Cup Final, where the favored Nailaga team showcased their prowess, defeating Toge with a narrow score of 31-27 in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 3000 supporters. This victory earned Nailaga not only a trophy but also cash prizes totaling $2,000 and $2,300 in shopping vouchers from New World supermarket, a gesture facilitated by BRU President Daksesh Patel. Overall, the total cash prizes across the competitions amounted to an impressive $11,050, double that of the previous season, reflecting the expanding support for local rugby.
In addition to the main event, Rarawai FSC, with roots extending back over 140 years, triumphed 19-8 against Bukuya in the Inox Shield match, securing automatic promotion to the 2026 Vinod Patel Cup along with Bukuya, replacing Nasolo and Koronubu.
Grand Finals Day was notable for the sheer number of finals contested, with a total of eight matches played. Among them, newcomers Natawarau celebrated a significant achievement by winning the Inox Plate Final against Koroboya with a close score of 17-10. The villagers of Natanuku were particularly excited, chartering a bus for the 15-minute journey to Ba to witness their team compete, further emphasizing the communal spirit aligned with grassroots rugby.
The Ba Rugby Union will take a short break before returning with the Ba Tikina Championships, set to commence next week and run through July 19. The upcoming tournament promises to sustain the momentum and enthusiasm generated from last weekend’s matches.
The community’s passion for rugby continues to grow, suggesting a hopeful future not only for the sport but also for fostering unity and engagement among local villagers. The increased participation rates in tournaments and the supportive atmosphere among fans provide a solid foundation for nurturing emerging talent and celebrating the cultural significance of rugby in the region.
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