BA Rugby has a special treat for 10 clubs today. For the first time, they will get to experience playing at the new 4R Stadium, Govind Park, which is usually kept for provincial and international games.
“All our clubs games for the past four years have been played at our spiritual home of Vinod Patel Park, next to the Ba Market and the bus stand,” BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga explained.
“So for the 10 clubs playing in the Vinod Patel Cup Grand Finals at the new stadium, Saturday is an exceptional day. It’s not just that the clubs get to play on the pristine turf but also use the international standard changing rooms and facilities.”
“All of us at Ba Rugby hope this is a memorable day for these players, team officials and supporters alike as we come to the end of a strong and remarkable club competition.”
For the first time, the Vinod Patel Cup Final will be contested between two teams from the interior – Navala and Toge.
Navala have never won the Ba Championship, while Toge say they once managed it some 29 years ago.
As no records exist for these earlier games, the Ba Rugby Union can only refer to the memories of village elders.
In last week’s dramatic Cup Semi-finals, Navala defeated defending champions Nailaga 17-12 with a late try from skipper and centre Damasino Levi sealing the win.
Toge then stepped up to topple powerhouse Sorokoba 25-21 in a see-saw match at Vinod Patel Park. The decisive score came from lock forward Arimela Noa in the 76th minute.
In the match to decide who stays up in the Top 16 and who goes down, Camanivanua came from behind to save their skins 18-14 and send Vadravadra into the INOX for next season.
Balevuto also drop to the second tier while Natawarau and Services Ba earn promotion.
As well as the Vinod Patel Shield, Bowl and Plate Finals being played in the morning, the INOX Trophy Final between Natawarau and Services Ba is scheduled for 12:30pm.
The main curtain-raiser will see Vinod Patel Ba face visitors Rewa in a Skipper Cup warm-up match.
“It’s good to keep the new stadium for special occasions,” Kautoga said. “It’s like a reward for those clubs that make it through to Finals Day.”
Well known South African international referee Rasta Rasivhenge will officiate the Vinod Patel Cup Final which kicks off at 3:50pm.
Gates open at 7.30am, with the first game kicking off at 8.15am. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-11 years old.
