Vinod Patel Park, a public space named after one of Ba’s pioneering businessman, became immersed in excitement and passion on the final day of BRU club rugby last weekend.
Never before has this humble patch of grass, with an absence of any facilities at all, heaved with such a fervent flag-waving, bonanza crowd.
Of the 18 matches played on Grand Finals Day, Ground 1 hosted six, five of which were finals.
Favourites Nailaga took out the main Vinod Patel Cup Final with a powerful display of controlled rugby to defeat Toge 31-27 in front of a vocal crowd of 3000.
Their reward – $2000 cash plus another $2,300 in shopping vouchers for New World supermarket, courtesy of BRU President Daksesh Patel.
The total cash prizes came to $11,050 – double that of last season.
In the preceding match, Rarawai FSC, where rugby in Fiji began more than 140 years ago, triumphed 19-8 in the Inox Shield over highlanders Bukuya.
Rarawai FSC and Bukuya both win automatic promotion to the 2026 Vinod Patel Cup (Top 16), replacing Nasolo and Koronubu.
A final is a final, and this day had eight – from the main Cup Final right down to the Inox Shield Final, which newcomers Natawarau won 17-10 over Koroboya.
The villagers of Natanuku were so excited that their team had reached the Inox Plate Final that they chartered a bus for the 15-minute trip into town.
And when their “Green & Clean” team held off Natutu to win 16-14, the fans stormed into the field to celebrate with their heroes.
For the smaller clubs, moments like this don’t come around that often, so make the most of it whilst you can.
This weekend, Ba Rugby takes a much-needed break, but it all begins again next week with the start of the Ba Tikina Championships which run through to 19 July.
