The Ba Rugby Kaji Festival concluded successfully yesterday at the Ba Methodist High School grounds after two days of exciting competition involving primary school teams from across the district.
Naloto District School claimed the U12 boys mini contact title after defeating newcomers Karavi Public School 14-0 in the final.
In the U14 girls’ seven-a-side final, Nakoroboya Primary School edged Ratu Filimoni Memorial School 17-14 in a closely contested match. In the U14 boys final Namosau Methodist defeated Ratu Rusiate 12-5.
Ba Primary Schools Rugby president Simione Tucaketale thanked God, sponsors and participating schools for the success of the festival.
“We are thankful to God Almighty for giving us good weather throughout the competition,” Tucaketale said.
He said many teams only had a week to prepare because schools had just completed their mid-year examinations and assessments.
“Our main focus was on academics first, but with the support from sponsors and donations we were able to successfully run this competition.”
A total of 16 schools took part in the two-day festival, with Bulabula Sanatan School and Karavi Public School becoming the latest schools to join the competition.
Tucaketale said the festival would now serve as a platform to select the Ba district team for the upcoming divisional competition.
“This year there will be no national competition, only divisional tournaments involving the western, northern and eastern zones,” he said.
“It will be a challenge for us because Ba holds the majority of the trophies in the western division and we will be defending champions in several grades.”
He added that preparations for the divisional competition would begin next week as Ba aims to continue its strong performances in primary schools rugby.
Votua Catholic School U14 team at the Ba Kaji Rugby Festival held in Nailaga. Picture: REINAL CHAND
