THE Vinod Patel Ba rugby side have booked their place in next week’s Skipper Cup quarter-finals after thrashing Lautoka 53-22 in the final round-robin match at 4R Stadium at Govind Park in Ba yesterday.
Lautoka stunned the home side with a try just 19 seconds into the match through Netava Bosenawai, converted by Manasa Seruisavou.
However, Ba responded strongly, scoring five tries in the first half through Joseva Roiroi, prop Allen Osbourne, who crossed the tryline three times, and Iliavi Masori.
Joji Nasova added three successful conversions as Ba took a commanding 31-10 lead into half-time.
Ba continued their dominance in the second half, adding four more tries through Gideon Cagimaivei, Waisea Nacuqu, Meli Tuvusa and Tevita Nailati.
Nasova managed one successful conversion in the second spell as Ba maintained their attacking pressure and defensive discipline.
Lautoka scored two second-half tries through Viliame Senileba and Malakai Veremalua, with Seruisavou adding one conversion.
However, Ba’s attacking firepower proved too strong as they sealed an emphatic 53-22 victory to secure their quarter-final berth.
Ba head coach Ben Tora credited the team’s performance to humility, gratitude and the determination to represent the district with pride.
“We won through our humility and gratitude.
“We thank our sponsors for coming out in numbers to support us.
“Today’s game was about guts and displayed their true Ba heart. It was a good game of rugby against Lautoka. We learnt a lot from Lautoka, and we grounded ourselves with humility,” Tora said.
