The final day of the rather long 2023 rugby season in sleepy old Ba has come.
But this year has been anything but sleepy for a province well known for its soccer, not so much for its rugby.
“It feels like we are finishing our season quite a while after everyone else,” BRU director of rugby, Vilimoni Delasau, said.
“Other unions are already well into their 7s tournaments, while we are only just closing out 15s.
“But it has been a monumental effort from everyone involved. The players, officials and fans all deserve a decent rest after the finals.”
In today’s final of the Ba Industries Cup, powerhouse Nailaga will take on their neighbours Veiyasana, who edged the mighty Magodro 22-18 in last week’s semi-finals.
Nailaga held on to defeat cross-river rivals Bulu 14-9 in the other semi-final, and will now feature in all three finals.
The Rooster Chicken Shield will be contested between the same sides after the Nailaga women held off Bulu women 11-5 and Veiyasana had a surprisingly close encounter with the improving Naloto but triumphed 12-7.
Allied Buses have kindly donated a trophy for the Junior Final, in which Magodro will take on Nailaga.
In last week’s semis, Ului Magodro upped their game to get past Veiyasana 13-10, while Nailaga needed a late try to defeat Bulu 7-6.
“The Ba Tikina Championships have been nothing short of a roaring success,” Delasau added.
“It was designed to bring the whole province together and to lift the level of rugby in all categories. It has certainly done both of those things.”
All 22 teams will feature in today’s finale, with the early games kicking off at 9am at Vinod Patel Park in Ba.
Entry remains at $3 for adults and $1 for children.
