PROVINCIAL rugby mania will reach its climax next Saturday as the finalists of the Skipper senior men’s, under-20 and Subrails Marama Cup competitions fought for their places in tough contests at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.
In the senior men’s competition, Naitasiri will meet Malolo in the final after the former beat Tailevu 31-26 and the latter beat Nadi 31-19 in their respective semi-finals.
For both teams, it will also mean a showdown of the highlanders and maritime defenders and a full-circle reunion for the two sides that met in round one in Nausori in August.
At the time, Naitasiri beat Malolo 39-16.
As the stakes go higher, so too will the Highlanders’ desire to add another trophy to their cabinet after they defended the Inkk Farebrother Trophy on home soil in Naluwai earlier this month.
Malolo will carry the hopes of the Western Division and it will be their first Skipper Cup final appearance, after they were promoted back into the competition from the Vanua Cup last year.
Meanwhile, Namosi and Suva will meet in the final of the Marama Cup in a showdown that is set to feature experience, agility and strength for both sides.
Namosi, lined up with experienced Fijiana 7s and 15s reps beat Nasinu 30-21 and Suva’s Younis Bese scored the winning try helping them beat Kadavu 36-31 in the semis yesterday.
In the Skipper Cup U20 competition, a similar showdown to its senior counterparts will take place between Naitasiri and Nadi.
Naitasiri won in extra time over Suva while Nadi maintained a steady lead to beat Ba 25-13 yesterday.
The finals for the competitions will be held at the HFC Bank Stadium next Saturday.
