In it’s 26-years of existence, Navatu Secondary School has for the first time made the national quarter-finals of the Vodafone Super Deans.

It’s under-19 team survived a gritty playoff match against St John’s Cawaci two weeks ago to win 18-16 in Labasa and create history for the school.

The side is backed by the support of its vanua, the nine villages that make Navatu, old scholars of the school and even the chief of Tamavua Village where they are billeted.

Principal Ilikena Tomasi said the current crop of players have created a new legacy for the school.

“Last year we made it to the playoffs in Labasa but this year we have taken a step further and that is a history for the school.

“We are proud of the boys, they have created history for themselves, their school and their families. The school has been there for 26 years, and this is the first time for us to go through,” he said.

Tomasi agreed that the nationals is a different level of competition altogether and they have been focusing on getting the players mentally ready in the past couple of days.

Their mental fitness will play a crucial factor tomorrow especially with southern zone U19 first seed Naitasiri Secondary School bracing for them.

“It won’t be easy because we know that Naitasiri Secondary is the champion of rugby league from Term 1.

“We’ve met them last year, we respect them, but we are hoping to win,” Tomasi added.

Navatu takes on Naitasiri tomorrow, 2.45pm at Buckhurst Park in Laucala Bay, Suva.