Four teams are set to battle it out in the Fiji Secondary School Rugby League (FSSRL) Pherrus Trophy Competition semi-finals this week at Kings Charles Park in Nadi.
They are the Jasper Vikings, Ra High Roosters, Wainimala Raiders and the Naitasiri Warriors teams – two from the West Zone and two from the Southeast Zone.
The semi-final draws are yet to be confirmed this week.
FSSRL media officer, Lai Corerega said the level of schoolgirls competition has improved to another level this year.
“There is going to be a new winner crowned this year since the defending champion the Namosi Titans bowed out during the Zone elimination round,” he said.
“Interestingly the Wainimala Raiders and Ratu Latianara Cowgirls from the Southeast Zone qualified to the National quarterfinals.
“Ratu Latianara however did not qualify for the semi-finals this year.
“The Wainimala Raiders are going into the semis this week compared to last year where they only reached the Southeast Zone quarterfinals.”
He said the Nakauvadra Raiders qualified for the first time in the National quarter-finals this year but were bundled out.
“Nasikawa Raiders played a tough match against the No.1 seeded schoolgirls team from the Southeast Zone, the Wainimala Raiders,” he said.
The weather conditions has also impacted the performance of teams during the competition.
This was highlighted by the FSSRL schoolgirls coordinator, Vaseva Saulekaleka.
“It (weather) has greatly impacted the competition and we had to change venue to Sila Central High School during the Zone eliminations because of the water cuts as well,” she said.
A good day of competition is expected from the four schoolgirls team in Nadi this week.
She said fans and supporters can expect a thrilling and exciting competition at Kings Charles Park this Saturday (April 20).
“We invite everyone to join us in supporting our future Fiji Bulikula and Future Fiji Bati,” she said.
“We thank Pherrus Financial Services for the jersey sponsorship to our eight teams that qualified into the Nationals.”
