The Korovou Zone aims to lift their level of competition in this year’s season of the Northland Rugby Union. The zone currently caters for 10 clubs but officials are looking to accommodate two more teams.

Clubs confirmed are, Waidalice, Uluiyasa, Police Eastern, Dritabua, Duavata, Waimaro, Namalata, Waibula, Aglime Wailevu and Sote.

Zone chairman Percy Lord after an executive meeting at the Korovou Police Bure on Saturday told SUNsports that they are hopeful of getting 12 teams into the competition.

“This year we hope to increase the number of our participating clubs to 12. We are grateful that the Service and the Nailega FMF Blues rugby clubs are intending to come in.

“Having the twelve clubs this season will definitely boost the level of competition and also nurture the young talents within our zone,” Lord said.

The Dakuivuna, Tailevu native also acknowledged their zone supporters who made everything possible for them last year.

“Our main strength last year was our supporters who come out in numbers during our weekly competition and our double header matches. This contributed a lot to our gate takings.

“We do face financial constraints and we received negative responses from various companies when we looked around for funds.

“But we are grateful that we have our own people supporting us,” Lord added.

Last year, he says, they collected almost $21,000 from gate takings alone.

TRIALS

The Northland Rugby Union had their second trials at Gatward Park, Korovou on Saturday and Lord said they were grateful to have majority of the players from their zone.

“Over the years including last year nearly 50 per cent of the Northland Rugby team make-up is from Korovou and we are grateful for that.

“We will continue to remind our players to strive for the best and aim for a top four position in the Skipper Cup competition and win the Farebrother Sullivan Trophy from Nadroga this year,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj