Published in The Fiji Times on August 13, 2017
History was created at the ANZ Stadium in Laucala, Bay, Suva last night when Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) won all the grades of the 2017 Coke Zero Deans finals.
It was an RKS clean sweep as they won the final from the under-14 to the U19.
But what made the clean sweep more sweeter for the Ratu Kadavulevu School was their U18 side who out-muscled defending Deans trophy holders Queen Victoria School 20-5 in the final in front of about 10,000 screaming fans at the ANZ Stadium. The Delainakaikai troops played champagne rugby.
QVS had themselves to blame for the loss — they lacked discipline and they played most of their game with one man down after players were sin-binned.
RKS started the game with an unsuccessful penalty attempt from fullback Saint George Sisi Talei after a yellow card to QVS prop Livai Natave.
Sisi Talei later kicked a penalty to give his side a 3-0 lead. RKS was awarded a try from a forward drive that saw flanker Josese Batirerega score and Sisi Talei failed to add the two points and the score line was 8-0.
With a broken play midway in the first half, a penalty try was awarded to RKS because of a high tackle to right wing Taniela Soqonawasaloa that prevented him from scoring a clear try. RKS extended their lead to 15-0. The Lodoni boys were unstoppable both in attack and defence. They showcased pure talent and were awarded with a Mesulame Domonikibau try to seal the deal 20-0.
But QVS didn’t give up as they managed to score a try through Natave but the conversion was unsuccessful.
RKS vice-principal Walesi Soqoiwasa said the win was dedicated to all the RKS community who had supported the team during their preparation.
“This win was the result of a well organised management and the backing of the school with former students,” Soqoiwasa said.
“The celebration has been planned when the school resumes in term two. We came here with a lot of faith that we will go back as winners. It happened”