DEFENDING champion Tavua College holds a slender lead after the first day of the Tavua-Ra-Nadarivatu-Vatukoula secondary schools athletics zone competition.
Four records were set at Garvey Park yesterday.
Tavua College edged Nakauvadra High School on the bronze medal count after both schools won five gold medals and five silver each.
The defending champion also recorded six bonze medals to Nakauvadra’s two while Penang Sangam High School is on third spot with four gold medals, four silver and four bronze.
Three records were set in the fields events while Nacanieli Namata of Nakauvadra High School set a record of five minutes 42seconds in the sub junior boys 1500m.
Semi Rakai, also of Nakauvadra High, threw a shot put record with a distance of 11.40 metres in the intermediate boys, Bete Ilaisa of Ra High School set a record in the senior boys shot put with a throw of 12.48m and Nilson High School athlete Vetaia Koro recorded 35.95m in the junior boys discuss.
Zone meet president Jovesa Saqali said the level of competition had improved immensely.
“Fortunately, the interesting thing about this year’s zone was everyone taking part have met the required times set out by the Coca-Cola Games officials,” said Saqali.
He said most of their students were taken by the bigger schools.
“We are the feeder schools to our big brothers and sisters in the Lautoka zone and other zones.”
Saqali said their new inclusion was Nasau Central Secondary School from Ra.
“This competition involved two provinces namely Ba and Ra and we have 13 schools involved.
“Tavua College usually dominate the zone, but this year it is going to be very exciting because all teams have improved,” he said.
The competition ends today.
