THE Lelean Memorial School under-17 rugby league team has secured a spot in the South East Zone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League semi-finals after a hard-fought 18-13 victory over Namosi Secondary School in the quarter-finals yesterday.
The competition held at St. Marceline primary school grounds, saw Lelean’s U17 side as the only team from the school to progress, after their U15 and U19 counterparts bowed out.
Coach Joe Savou admitted that while the team had been dominant in previous matches, Namosi provided an unexpected challenge.
“We’ve been winning our games with margins of 40 points or more, but today, Namosi really tested us,” Savou said.
“It was a wake-up call for the boys.”
Savou expressed concern over his team’s discipline and mindset, stating that their lack of preparation nearly cost them the match.
“Our players thought they were unbeatable, and it showed in their attitude. The team barely trained last week. That kind of approach won’t work moving forward,” he said.
He emphasised that the team must refocus before next Saturday’s semifinal clash.
“The boys need to understand that the competition gets tougher from here.”
