NATABUA High School will carry the hopes of the Western Zone into the Vodafone Deans U18 semi-finals after edging Marist Brothers High School 20-17 in a tense quarter-final at Churchill Park yesterday.
Backed by a vocal crowd, Natabua showed composure and determination, with their supporters breaking into the team’s song “Cooler than Ice” every time points were scored.
The atmosphere spurred the side to a 10-7 halftime lead after a try to Sairusi Seru, converted by captain Suliasi Totoko, who also slotted a penalty. Marist’s first-half points came from a converted try by Viliame Elo.
In the second half, Natabua extended their lead when Ropate Varani crossed for their second try, again converted by Totoko. Marist clawed back through a penalty by Ase Fuli and a try to Semi Kamikamica, converted by Fuli, levelling the scores at 17-17.
With the final hooter sounding, Natabua pressed forward, forcing a penalty. Totoko calmly slotted the decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations among the Western fans.
Totoko dedicated the win to their supporters from Sigatoka to Ra.
“Our aim was to win and I thank God for the victory,” he said.
“To all our supporters from the West, please come and support your team in the semi-final.”
Natabua now turns its focus next Saturday, aiming to keep the Western challenge alive in the national championship.