SOME supporters had to look twice at the 53-22 score-line to check their eyes weren’t deceiving them. But there it was, a testament to intricate planning and immaculate execution.

After this big win over neighbours Lautoka, Vinod Patel Ba proceed to the Skipper Cup quarter-finals for the third year in a row.

“This has been a very tough season for us,” Gaby Kautoga admitted.

“We have lost several games that we should have won and we have faced financial challenges. We are just grateful to reach the quarter-finals again.”

The Men in Black also needed Tailevu to defeat Taveuni which they did.

“So, we owe Tailevu a favour,” Kautoga smiled.

Ba fielded all their big guns – Joji Nasova, Isoa Tuwai, Iliavi Masori and Waisea Nacuqu – a strategy that paid its dividends many times over.

Prop forward Allen Osborne scored a rare hat-trick of tries in the win over Lautoka. They now face top dogs Nadi for a place in the semis.