Northland U20 eyes third win

The Northland Under-20 side will be aiming to record three consecutive wins when they take on Coastland in Round Three of the Vodafone Vanua Championship at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, on Saturday.

Northland assistant coach Akeimi Bolalailai said the side was confident after recording a 26-10 victory over Northern Bulls on Tuesday.

“Firstly, I’d thank God Almighty for giving us the strength to secure our second victory,” he said.

“I also thank the boys for their effort and commitment, which helped us achieve the result we wanted” Bolalailai said the team would review their performance and fine-tune areas that need to be improved ahead of the Coastland clash. “We’ll go back to the drawing board, rectify our mistakes and prepare well for Saturday’s match,” he said.

Bolalailai said the team had built on from last year’s campaign, when it reached the semi-finals.

“Last year we reached the semi-finals but our senior men’s team also fell short. This year we’ve stayed focused on our goals and continue working hard to help the boys achieve greater heights,” he said.

The squad consist of former Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) and Queen Victoria School (QVS) students along with those from other schools in Tailevu North.

“We’re grateful to the teachers and management of RKS for allowing us to use their ground for training and preparation,” he said.

Bolalailai dedicated the team’s win to their supporters and urged them to continue backing the side as they chase for their third straight win.

U20 results

Ovalau 28-12 Serua, Cakaudrove 35-26 Bua, Tavua 29-0 Yasawa, Northern Bulls 10-28 Northland, Ra 17-22 Coastland, Namosi 29-19 Nasinu.

U20 fixtures for Saturday

• 1pm- Macuata v Cakaudrove at Ratu Ganilau Park, Savusavu
• 1pm- Vatukoula v Tavua at Theodore Park, Vatukoula
• 1pm- Ra v Northern Bulls at Narauyaba Sports ground, Rakiraki.
• 1pm- Northland v Coastland at venue to be confirmed later
• 1pm- Serua v Nasinu at Thompson Park, Navua
• 1pm- Ovalau v Namosi at Nasau Park, Levuka.

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