Bua On Track To Claim Skipper Spot
The Bua rugby team’s campaign for a spot in next year’s Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship competition is on track.
This was after Bua edged Serua 12-10 in the quarterfinal of the Vodafone Vanua Championship at Subrail Park, Labasa, on Saturday.
The star of Bua’s win was lock forward Nemani Biu who scored two tries. Biu on several occasions used his raw strength, speed and leg drive to break through the Serua defence to the delight of the Bua fans.
In one of his powerful drives he managed to crash over for his first try while Serua’s points came from a penalty as they trailed 5-3 at halftime.
Bua halfback Sesoni Taga (with ball) awaits referee’s instruction during the scrum in the Vodafone Vanua Cup quarterfinal against Serua at Subrail Park, Labasa on June 25, 2022. Bua won 12-10 and will face Ba in the semifinals.
Photo: Jiupili Ralulu
The second half Serua took a defensive approach and tried to counterattack. But Bua had other ideas as Biu bulldozed his way over for the second try, which was converted for a 12-3 lead.
Serua narrowed the deficit to 12-10 with a converted try in the dying moments of the game.
Bua coach, Epeli Kalou, said the win was possible through their team bond, hardwork and the support of their fans.
“But the difference is the grace of the almighty God upon our lives and the backing of the vanua,” he said.
Kalou said leading up to the quarterfinal, they had iron out mistakes in their weak areas.
“We showed this on the ground as we used our forwards to maintain possession and keep the opposition at bay.
“The vanua of Bua has been supportive of what we have set out to do. Heading into the semi-final, we will take the same spirit and make the vanua proud,” he said.
Meanwhile, former national rugby captain Koli Rakoroi helped inspire the Macuata side qualify for the Vodafone Vanua Championship semifinal.
Macuata recorded a 17-16 win over Ovalau in the quarterfinal at Nasau Park, Levuka, on Saturday.
Rakoroi, who played at lock, captained the Flying Fijians to the 1987 Rugby World Cup where they beat Argentina 28-9 in pool play and qualified for the quarterfinal.
Macuata’s Anasa Molisedrau is stopped by the Ovalau players during the Vodafone Vanua Championship quarterfinal clash at Nasau Park, Levuka, on June 25, 2022. Photo: Manhar Vithal
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