WITH four full rounds completed of the Vinod Patel Cup, it is all to play for in the three remaining pool rounds before the knock-out stages of Ba’s premier level Club Rugby Competition.
“Because we have divided the clubs into two divisions this year, we are seeing a lot more very close games in both the Vinod Patel Cup and the lower Inox Trophy,” BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga said.
“Essentially, in the Top 16, every match is vital… clubs cannot afford to take it easy. The top four clubs from each pool will enter the Vinod Patel Cup quarter-finals, whilst the bottom four teams will play in the Bowl.”
“Whilst prize money is much higher this year, there are two automatic promotion and relegation spots between the Vinod Patel Cup and the Inox trophy, so the stakes are very high.”
“Teams in the Top 16 will be desperate to avoid the drop, whilst the two finalists of the Inox Trophy will have automatic promotion for the 2026 season.”
This increase in intensity has been seen across the board with many games going down to the wire in the Inox Trophy too.
Pool A of the Vinod Patel Cup sees defending champions Natalecake, Navala and Sasa leading the pack, with Nadelei and Balevuto vying for the all-important fourth spot.
“Pool B is much closer,” Kautoga noted. “Last week, Toge upset powerhouse Nailaga 18-12 for their first win of the season and strong finish could see them edge into the Cup Quarter-finals.”
“Lomavata also recorded their first win, surprising Vadravadra 10-7. And with Sorokoba winning their last two games after two opening defeats, the Pool B table is getting very crowded in the middle.”
In the revamped Inox Trophy, which has three pools of eight teams, only two teams remain unbeaten after four rounds – Nasivikoso from the Magodro mountains and Services Ba, which is the Police side that has some added
reinforcements from Fire and Wardens in Ba.
“Rarawai FSC were flying high after the first three rounds,” Kautoga said, “but Nasivikoso showed their silky sevens skills last week and beat them 19-18 with a strong second half.”
“I think what is also nice is that some of the new clubs are also wining games. The fishing villagers of Natawarau have won both their two games; Natutu have won twice, as have newcomers Vunavuga.”
Ba Club Rugby takes a break this Easter weekend to allow the grounds to recover and will begin again on 26 April.
