The start of the eagerly awaited Ba Tikina Championships today features 22 teams in three categories at Vinod Patel Park.
It’s a bold initiative that runs deeper than rugby, though the prime purpose is to strengthen the three Ba XV representative teams.
“Now we have finally reached the Skipper Cup, it’s vital that we not only stay there but actually compete for top honours,” Ba Rugby Union secretary Gaby Kautoga noted.
“We have wanted to involve villages from the outlying areas of the province, so seeing the teams from Savatu and Magodro co-ordinate their players and officials to come together like this … well, it’s just heartwarming.”
Pastor Gaby has previously spoken about the role rugby can play in shaping youths’ lives and giving them direction, and this mindset is replicated in the work by the Police Community Posts.
As well as bringing in some big-name sponsors to Ba Rugby for the first time, Wednesday’s launch included a special new partnership with the Fiji Police Force.
The Fiji Police Force Marching Band produced a wonderful array of music and dance to entertain the guests at Nailaga Village before passing the baton after lunch to the Police Jazz Band.
“One of the pillars of community policing is to connect with the youths,” Sgt George Driver of the Ba Police explained.
“And sports, particularly rugby, can provide a strong link in this regard.”
The province of Ba has six community police posts – Koronubu, Nukuloa, Raviravi, Tauvegavega, Varoko and Vatulaulau.
“Despite limited personnel, we visit the villages and try to create a good bond between the Police and each community.
“In this way, we not only try to reduce illegal acts, but we work to improve relations with the youths,” Sgt Driver explained.
Police also have a registered club with the Ba Rugby Union and have combined with Duiyasana, Fire, FSC, Lomavata and Wardens to form the Veiyasana Cagilaba for the Ba Tikina Championships.
Cagilaba have the honour of playing in the opening match of the Ba Industries Cup against Bulu Solesole today, while their women’s team face Qaliyalatina in the Rooster Chicken Shield at 3pm.
The Ba Rugby Union are sure the tournament will lift the standard of rugby.
“Back in June, Magodro formed a team and came down from the hills to give the Ba side a warm-up game ahead of the Vanua Trophy,” Pastor Gaby recalled.
“It was a physically demanding match that really tested Delasau’s men. The Ba Tikina Championships will showcase not only the speed and running skills of the players, but also their brute strength; like the slogan itself – Tough as Nails!”
