Rakiraki has increased their chances of playing in the final after pulling a 1-1 draw against Rewa in the Courts IDC Primary Schools competition at Bidesi Ground yesterday.

Currently on four points, Rakiraki will need a draw or a win against Labasa today to qualify for the finals.

Coach Rahul Dutt is proud of the outcome.

“We definitely came here to win but getting a draw is good enough,” Dutt said.

“There were a lot of missed opportunities but I take my hat off to them for not pushing on and not giving up.

“Rewa really tested us and gave us a good run but we managed to hold our ground as the boys know that a loss is not acceptable.”

Despite the challenges the team faced, Rakiraki Primary School Sports Association president Vishal Raj said sports brought the community together.

“We have had to face so many challenges as a team and Cyclone Winston that hit us early in the year was a major factor but sport has brought us together and helped us bounce back from that disaster,” Raj said.

“We have been playing in our zonal competitions hoping to get into the IDC and we achieved that, now our next step is to win it.

“But whether we win or lose, one thing I know that will benefit us is the learning and experience that the boys will take back with them.

“Despite the hard yards, we have managed to pull through by playing soccer and we can only go up from here. We just look forward to our next game and treat it like a final.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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