THE Fiji Pine Ba U20s solidified their place in the top three of the Skipper Cup table with an uplifting 69-8 win over Rewa last week.
Should they beat Kadavu today at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, and Lautoka at the same venue next week, their quarter-final draw will be much more preferable.
“Finishing fourth or fifth makes no difference,” BRU Secretary Gaby Kautoga explained. “You play the same opponent in the knock-out stages.”
“But if they finish the table in third place, they would be paired up with the sixth-placed team.”
Kadavu U20s are currently in bottom place with Lautoka in ninth.
Ba ran in 10 tries in their win over visitors Rewa, three in the first half to lead 26-3, then a further seven after the break.
Wing Viliame Gadolo and lock forward Kaminieli Waqatabu scored two tries each.
Waqatabu, nephew of Ba great Vilimoni Delasau, is still in Form 6 and has not only progressed rapidly this season but appears to have grown a few inches in height and breadth.
Fly-half Kolinio Ramoka, making his debut at 17, was later awarded Best Back by the team management after a commendable performance.
The Fiji Pine Ba Juniors have developed a strong bond this season, partly through their decision to camp in different villages around Ba Province prior to their games.
Last week, they were hosted by Toge Village, an experience that everyone involved appeared to enjoy. And last night, they camped in Votua Village, home of the Ba River Club, and had their Captain’s Run at Votua Catholic Primary School.
“This is part of the team’s effort to engage with the local community and strengthen the relationships with the Vanua,” Talatala Gaby said. “It’s an initiative the team has taken on themselves; planning and organising the camps. It’s good to see such commitment.”
“Each of the villages where they have camped so far – Natalecake, Navala, Toge and Votua – has representatives in the team, so it really enhances the team bonds.”
The Under 20s will open the three games against Kadavu today at 4R, kicking off at 11am.
Gates open at 10am with tickets set at a flat rate of $5 for children (5-11) and $10 for adults.
