Published in The Fiji Times on Saturday, August 9, 1997.
Queen Victoria School pipped Ratu Kadavulevu at the post 13-11, to win the Deans Trophy for the second year in a row at the National Stadium.
QVS came from 11-10 down with eight minutes remaining to win the under-19 final in front of a crowd of 8000 and excellent weather.
The taller and heavier QVS forward pack laid the platform for victory with strong, committed drives and lineout dominated by towering lock Akuila Matanibukaca.
Fullback Varayame Raitoko was the QVS hero, the Raiwaqa lad of Yasawa origin scored the first try of the game five minutes into the first half and then kicked a penalty on the stroke of fulltime to win the game for QVS.
The other QVS try was scored by number eight Peceli Sovaki, RKS replied with two penalties to fullback Asivorosi Tora in the first half, Tora missed three penalties which could have made a difference.
RKS scored a try to halfback Seru Rabeni to put the Lodoni students in a 11-10 lead which was cut in the last minute.
The bigger and taller QVS forward pack crunched RKS from the opening whistle by referee Sakaraia Vuki and laid the platform for their backs to run.
QVS coach Filimone Vatuvoka praised his players mental stability and defence.
“Our defence stopped the RKS players, our plan was to score as much points as we can from the start and when our forwards matched the RKS pack, I was confident.
“Now next year will be harder because most of the players in the under-18 and from this side will not be in school.”
Raitoko said he would try for a third year in the u-19 team,” I’m 18-years-old and will still be eligible to play next year if I get through to form seven.”
The game was a display of fine basics and a high standard of fitness and expertise which pointed to a good development programme by the Fiji Schools Rugby Union’s development officer Sekaia Ratukonadi.
Fiji Schools Rugby Union secretary Eroni Tabua said the high standard displayed by the students reflected the development work done by their development committee.